Gardaí are warning that the cost of the upcoming visit of American vice-president Mike Pence will compromise the safety and security of Irish citizens.

An Garda Síochána has refused to comment on warnings from the US State Department and the US embassy in Ireland that there is “a potential for violence” at this weekend’s Longitude music festival in Dublin.

An Garda Síochána received almost €1.5m from promoters and organisers to police some of the largest events held in the country last year — but received no external payment towards the cost of providing security for the Pope’s visit.

Our policing folk, officially known as An Garda Siochana, have been getting into the festival mood on social media posting some puntastic tweets to drive home their stay safe reminders.

SIX in every 10 victims who attended sexual assault treatment units last year knew their attackers.