There has been a renewed call for rank-and-file gardaí to be given taser guns.

Last night, a male and female officer were attacked while on foot patrol in Dublin’s north inner city.

The Garda Representative Association also says a number of officers in Kildare received death threats a few days ago.

President of the GRA Ciarán O’Neill has described last night’s attack as “savage”.

“Well, I believe both of themhave suffered facial injuries, and were attacked on the upper body,” he said.

“They were punched and kicked, both members, one’s a male, and one’s a female.

“Well, the only protection, like every member of an Garda Siochana who puts on the uniform for work, would have a stab-proof vest, they’d have … pepper spray – but these were attacked in an unprovoked attack, it was totally indisciminate.

“They had little of no chance to protect themselves at that stage.”