Madam, - At the time of the setting-up of the two governments in Ireland, this island was in a state of violent turmoil. Yet W. T. Cosgrave, the first head of the newly independent State, when establishing our police force stated: "I have enough confidence in the Irish people, not to need an armed police force". How right he turned out to be. We became peace-loving, law-abiding and admired around the world.
Madam, - At the time of the setting-up of the two governments in Ireland, this island was in a state of violent turmoil. Yet W. T. Cosgrave, the first head of the newly independent State, when establishing our police force stated: "I have enough confidence in the Irish people, not to need an armed police force". How right he turned out to be. We became peace-loving, law-abiding and admired around the world.
The Northern counties did not have that trust and not only armed the police but had two separate forces. History speaks for itself.
Our Minister for Justice does not appear to have the same confidence and threatens to introduce arming of gardaí. It would be a dreadful mistake. People do not wish to live in such a state. The whole atmosphere of the nation would change. We may be in the middle of a crime wave now, but crime waves do not last forever. Any extra powers given to any police force will never be relinquished. - Yours, etc.,
DERMOT C. CLARKE,
Wilson Road,
Mount Merrion,
Co Dublin.