New guidelines around the wearing of earrings, beards and fake tan in the Irish defence forces is just a distraction from the real issues of pay and conditions.
That's according to Colm Mahoney who served 28 years in the army and is now based in County Monaghan. Grooming regulations for Defence Forces personnel were relaxed recently with men permitted to grow beards and women allowed to wear fake tan and nail polish.
The move forms part of an effort to make a military career more attractive to young people, while also maintaining strict regulations surrounding personal appearance. Retired sergeant Colm Mahoney said other armies around the world allow their members earrings and tan and the Irish Army must evolve if it is to recruit young people into the forces today.
However, Mr Mahoney, who is a member of the 29th Infantry Batallion Association which represents retired members in Cavan and Monaghan, said better pay and conditions would do more for recruitment and retention.
