Garda Power: Where Do We Draw the Line? Episode 497

Today on the show, Niall is joined by Karl Deeter and callers to debate a question that’s dividing opinion across Ireland: should the Gardaí be armed, and can we trust them with tasers?

With Justin Kelly stepping into the role of Garda Commissioner, national security is firmly back on the agenda. Kelly—formerly Chief Superintendent of the Special Detective Unit—has warned about the growing threats of espionage, extremism, and organised crime. At his first press conference, he raised the possibility of equipping frontline Gardaí with tasers, citing the rising number of injuries officers face each week.

Ireland has long stood apart as one of the few countries with an unarmed police service, a tradition many see as central to our identity. But is that tradition sustainable in today’s climate? Do tasers represent a necessary step toward protecting Gardaí and the public, or are they the first move toward wider arming of the force?

Niall and Karl take your calls on whether tasers are a sensible tool for modern policing—or a dangerous shift in culture. Would you feel safer or less safe if Gardaí carried tasers? Do you trust the rank and file to use them responsibly?