GRA calls for debate on arming of uniformed Gardaí

Rank-and-file gardaí will debate today whether all uniformed officers should be armed to deal with the growing threat of increasingly ruthless gangland criminals.

The issue is expected to be one of the most divisive at the Garda Representative Association annual delegate conference in Tullow, Co Carlow.

Debate has raged within the force about arming all officers since the shooting last September of Paul Sherlock, an unarmed traffic garda, during the morning rush hour in Dublin’s North Strand.

The 34-year-old was shot in the stomach from close range with a shotgun by one of the occupants of a stolen car he was pursuing at the time.

John Healy, GRA deputy general secretary, believes the attack of an unarmed officer marked a watershed for policing in the State.

“It is with great regret that we now have to consider the routine arming of uniformed gardaí, but that is the reality of modern Ireland,” he said.

Although many officers believe they would be better equipped to deal with the growing gun culture by being armed, others are adamant criminals would be more likely to fire first if they know officers are carrying firearms.

Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy and Justice Minister Brian Lenihan will address the GRA conference.