Garda Pepper Spray Move Criticised

national | miscellaneous | press release Friday October 24, 2008 23:43 by Richard Walsh - Republican Sinn Féin

RSF have criticised the announcement that all Free State "police" are to be armed with chemical weapons.

Republican Sinn Féin has criticised the decision to arm the 26-County police with chemical agents. The development was announced by Dermot Ahern, who said that pepper spray canisters would be made available to all Gardaí.

A spokesman said: “Since CS spray was reintroduced into the Occupied Six Counties, it has evolved into a weapon of first resort. There is little reason to suspect that it will be any different within the 26-Counties. Such agents have the potential to cause the target a severe allergic reaction, which on occasion can be fatal – particularly amongst people with pre-existing medical conditions.

“The force is infamous for its excessive use of force and lack of any accountability. Such can be seen through the disastrous actions of the 26-County police at Abbeylara in County Longford, which indeed prompted this latest development.

“Concern has also been expressed amongst observers that this might be an initial move towards the arming of all Garda personnel with firearms. The Gardaí have a very poor record when it comes to safeguarding the lives and well-being of suspects. Any additions to their armoury will cause alarm amongst many people.”