Sir, - After the High Court ruling in favour of the Garda Emergency Response Unit, who now protects the rights of citizens of this nation? The good name of the ERU members must be protected - but what of the good name, and the very life, of Mr Carthy?
Sed quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Obviously not the elected representatives of the people, in whom all power and authority is vested on our behalf. Thus, Ireland, a supposedly modern democracy, has no effective control and oversight of its own police force.
To minimise the risk, the ERU should be disbanded immediately. Garda members should be forced to return to their intended role - unarmed guardians of the peace - with an independent, empowered ombudsman to investigate and regulate their activities.
The handling of firearms should be left to those best trained and suited for that role: the highly-skilled - and publicity shy - Army Ranger Wing. We should learn from our mistakes and not repeat them. - Yours, etc.,
John M. Cassidy, Addison Road, Fairview, Dublin 3.