Yesterday across Ireland, queues appeared at ATMs. There were reports about an error in BOI’s systems meaning people could withdraw more than their usual limits.
Almost as quickly, Gardaí arrived at ATMs in multiple cities and towns. They began stopping people from using them.
Their excuse was that they were there to prevent ‘public order’ breaches. But there were no issues whatsoever – people queued and waited their turn.
And if it was to prevent ‘public order’ issues, why were people not allowed to use the ATMs at all? Some areas don’t have many ATMs – stopping people from accessing their money is a serious act.
Did the Gardaí get a call from Bank of Ireland? If so, why were the Gardaí acting in the interest of a private bank?
And if they didn’t get a call from Bank of Ireland that tells us a lot about the priorities of An Garda Síochána. BOI recently announced over a billion in profits – profits they’ve made by raising interest rates on ordinary people.
Meanwhile, people are still suffering through the cost of living crisis. The Gardaí haven’t once turned up to protect people from profiteering food and energy companies.
Whether it’s enforcing physical evictions on behalf of greedy landlords, or protecting the interests of big banks, the Gardaí side with the rich and powerful.
