McDowell: No need for armed gardaí
The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, said he would consider the introduction of protective vests for gardaí in high-risk situations.
However, he insisted there is no need for armed gardaí, saying there is a unique relationship between the Garda and the people that it polices, and that depends in large measure on the fact that gardaí don't carry firearms.
“There are issues such as stab-proof vests and other issues which would arise,” he said. “I do believe that they should be properly equipped.”
His comments came following an overnight stabbing incident in which two gardaí were attacked as they entered a house in Raheny.
Dave Comber and his colleague James Hendrick, both stationed at Howth in north Co Dublin, were stabbed a number of times after being called to the scene of a robbery.
Two Chinese nationals in their early 20s are being questioned by gardaí in relation to the attack.
