Rank and File gardai have hit back at claims by Junior Minister Finian McGrath that they carry out road checkpoints to undermine politicians.
Disability Minister Finian McGrath said he received complaints from parents about being breathalysed on the way to mass and to pick up their kids from school.
He declared that checks should only be carried out directly after pubs close.
He further claimed that gardai had become politicised and were "making a point" by blaming Transport Minister Shane Ross when they stopped motorists.
Mr McGrath said that Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein TDs had told him they had heard reports of this.
He also told the Sunday Independent he wanted Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to "de-politicise" An Garda Siochana.
He has since withdrawn his comments and accepted that An Garda Siochana were not politically motivated.
The Garda Representative Association spokesman Paul Anderson lashed back at Minister McGrath's comments.
He said: "The withdrawal of Minister of State Finian McGrath’s unwarranted charge of political policing in respect of random road-side breath tests is welcome and necessary."
“Our members take their political independence very seriously and regard it as a key reason gardai command such a high level of public support."
"For clarification, gardai carry out Mandatory Intoxication Test checkpoints (MITs) under management instruction in accordance with the Road Traffic Act and do not set up MIT checkpoints under their own recognisance."
“The GRA welcomes Minister McGrath’s acknowledgement that his charges have no basis and will not be commenting further on this matter at this time.”
MIT checkpoints are assigned to garda units on a daily basis by senior management - they are not routinely carried out with out an order.
Road safety campaigner Aisling Reid of PARC speaking on RTE radio slammed the Minister.
She said: “It is disgraceful what he said. It was shocking. Withdrawing his statement is not enough, he should resign.
Fianna Fáil’s justice spokesman Jim O’Callaghan described Mr McGrath’s comments as “foolish”.
He said: “It is extremely serious to say that the guards are involved in a political campaign. What he should be talking about is his own portfolio.
“Finian is looking for publicity. He is seeking to explain the unpopularity of Independent Alliance ministers.”
