Sikh leaders in Ireland are considering mounting a legal challenge to the banning of turban's in the Gardai.

Gardaí tonight defended its rule banning Sikh officers from wearing a turban on duty, claiming the force was not racist but trying to be impartial while providing a state service.

Ciaran Cuffe of the Green Party has demanded An Garda Siochana scrap an allegedly racist rule which bans Sikh officers from wearing a turban on duty.

John Breslin