The right to bear arms

Madam, - In suggesting that the Irish Government give citizens the right to bear arms to protect themselves from criminals, Ultan…

Madam, - In suggesting that the Irish Government give citizens the right to bear arms to protect themselves from criminals, Ultan O'Broin ignores the fact that such a measure would extend the same right to criminals who are, by and large, Irish citizens too. The easy availability of guns in the US has certainly not given rise to a crime-free society. - Yours, etc.,

FINBAR O'CONNOR, Claude Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.