Going from a relatively unarmed police force to a totally armed one is 'unnecessary.'
That's the reaction of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors to Tanaiste Leo Varadkar saying he would support such a step.
He said if the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris asked him to arm rank and file Gardaí, he wouldn't block it, as reported in the Irish Mail on Sunday.
AGSI General Secretary, Antoinette Cunningham, says there are better ways to man Gardaí.
"I think there are other forms of personal protection that Gardai can use other than carrying a firearm, such as bodycams and taser equipment.
"I think it's probably just a step too far in the current climate."
