TDs criticise sending of gardai to Border

POLITICIANS have criticised the reported redeployment of gardai from Dublin to the Border as part of the anti BSE operation. A Garda spokesman yesterday confirmed that gardai had been moved, but said the number was fewer than the 164 claimed by the Sunday Tribune, which cited a "confidential Garda document" as its source.

A Dublin Labour TD, Mr Tommy Broughan, said reports of transfers were "annoying" at a time when Garda personnel were badly needed to fight drug related crime.

A Democratic Left TD, Mr Eric Byrne, said the decision to reduce Garda strength in the capital "would be viewed by Dublin's drug barons as manna from heaven.

Garda numbers have been increased at BSE Border control checkpoints in Co Monaghan after stone throwing incidents at some of the checkpoints.