Ex-Taoisigh may lose garda protection

FORMER Taoisigh could lose their round-the-clock garda protection as Justice Minister Michael McDowell seeks to free up more gardaí in an effort to deal with violence on the streets, it emerged yesterday.

Four former holders of the Taoiseach’s office enjoy 24-hour garda security at an estimated cost of €1m.

Former Taoiseach Dr Garret FitzGerald requested and secured the removal of any protection on his home some years ago. Mr McDowell yesterday said he was considering razing the security bill for the remaining ex-Taoisigh, Charlie Haughey, John Bruton, Albert Reynolds and Liam Cosgrave and putting the gardaí on crime-fighting duties.