Gardaí call for tasers to subdue radicals

Gardaí want to be issued with tasers to subdue religious extremists because the likelihood is ordinary units will have to deal with them first before armed backup arrives.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents 10,400 rank-and-file members of the force, is also calling for legislation to protect its members from attacks while off-duty and from trolling carried out by “sinister elements” who have hijacked anti-water charge protests.

GRA president Dermot O’Brien said gardaí were concerned about the potential for religious fundamentalists causing trouble in this country one day.