A massive majority of Garda Representative Association members have voted no confidence in Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

Announcing the results this afternoon, GRA General Secretary Ronan Selvin said an ‘unprecedented’ number of members had taken part in the vote.

Some 98.7% of those that did take part said they do not have confidence in the Garda Commissioner.

“This accounted for the largest return for a ballot in the history of the GRA,” said Mr Slevin.

“It is a loud and clear message that we as an association have lost confidence in the direction policing is being led in this country.

“As such, it is now in the hands of Government to stand up and take action.”

Commissioner Drew Harris inspecting 319 new Gardaí at an Attestation Ceremony at the Garda Training College, Templemore. Image: Mark Condren/RollingNews

In all, 9,013 GRA members voted no confidence in the commissioner, while 116 voted in support of him.

The vote is unprecedented and it’s the first time in the 100 years of An Garda Síochána that the force has voted no confidence in the Garda Commissioner.

Previously Drew Harris said he will not resign no matter what the outcome of the vote is.

However, Tara McManus from the GRA says if nothing changes within the force, then there could be a raft of officers resigning.

“With the reintroduction of the pre-COVID roster that is starting to affect a lot of people and they are already making decisions that they are going to resign,” she said.

“Their work-life balance is impacted and childcare so I think in the runup to November 6th I think we are going to see huge amounts of members resigning.

The GRA is set to hold a special delegate conference in Co Kilkenny in two weeks’ time.

A massive majority of Garda Representative Association members have voted no confidence in Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) September 13, 2023

With reporting from Barry Whyte.