Gun debate: Arming the gardaí

HEAD of the Garda Inspectorate, Kathleen O’Toole, said she fears for the safety of the force at a time of a high level of gun crime. But she insisted that gardaí should remain unarmed.

The debate over whether or not gardaí should carry guns was raised last month following the shooting of Dublin traffic branch officer, Paul Sherlock.

But Ms O’Toole said despite the threat of gangland violence she hopes she will “never have to make a recommendation to arm the gardaí”.