Half Of Garda Want Guns Says Survey

A recent survey has shown over half of gardaí believe uniformed officers should carry guns.

The online survey by Garda Review magazine found 53% of those surveyed believed rank and file officers should now be issued with firearms.

A total of 159 garda members completed the survey, where they were asked: "Do you now believe that all uniformed gardai on duty should routinely be armed?"

Half of respondents were attached to regular units of the force, with 63% of these in favour of being issued with guns.

The official magazine of the Garda Representative Association claimed the results signalled a cultural shift inside the force as the results showed a majority of detectives who responded were against the idea but most student gardai were in favour.

The unexpected results reflect growing concern over the level of gun crime and gang related activity in Dublin and Limerick.

Of the 47% that voted against more guns, many expressed a desire for more – and more visible – armed response units, according to Garda Review.

In an article on the findings, the magazine said the poll results were at odds with a common perception that uniformed gardai don’t want to carry guns.

Last week, gardaí in Dublin arrested a man who had allegedly pointed a gun at unarmed officers in the city.

(DW)