Failure to replace hero garda insults rural Ireland, Leo!

The failure to replace the heroic Garda Tony Golden, murdered while attempting to protect a woman from an abusive partner, is shameful and utterly indefensible. It is symptomatic of the ill-conceived and downright dangerous policy of cutting back on a Garda presence in rural communities that is needed now more than ever.

The Force has been hit by a succession of scandals in recent times... penalty points, false breath tests, treatment of whistleblowers etc, but here was a garda who not only did his duty but died serving his fellow human beings and upholding the law of the land. He was a patriot and a martyr, more so than some of the groups and individuals involved in the so-called ‘armed struggle’.

As a nation, we could honour his memory and sacrifice by reversing the cutbacks to precious Garda resources.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is passionate about his commitment to the wellbeing of ‘people who get up early in the morning’. He and his Government colleagues should spare a thought for those who huddle at night in their homes in fear, unable to sleep and afraid to answer the door to possible burglars. Or citizens who can’t walk the streets for fear of violent thugs who know the guards aren’t around or the local station is gone.

Or people who, mourned by loved ones, will never again get up early in the morning because criminals have sent them to early graves. John Fitzgerald, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.