Garda discretion

Sir, – We need not worry about the intrusive new Garda powers proposed by the Minister for Justice. The force will surely ignore the more contentious ones, using its newfound discretion to choose which laws are to be enforced and which are not. – Yours, etc,

STEPHEN SHAW,

Zurich,

Switzerland.

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Sir, – I hear some politicians calling for gardaí­ to apply discretion around the illegal consumption of alcohol in outdoor restaurants.

I recall not too long ago gardaí­ were accused of improper conduct when they applied discretion in traffic speeding offences.

What is needed is a rapid suspension of the relevant bylaws rather than any suggestion from Government TDs that rules should be broken. – Yours, etc,

FINBAR KEARNS,

Piercestown,

Co Wexford.