Middle-ranking gardaí will hold an emergency meeting today to discuss the possibility of industrial action.

The AGSI said its special delegate conference comes as a direct result of recent talks with the Government about pay.

The Garda Representative Association has already announced strike action and it is feared the AGSI may follow suit.

Retired Detective Alan Bailey has urged gardaí to stay on the job. He said: “All I would say is to think long and hard before they take any step like that.

“Back in 1998, I was one of those who supported blue flu. I did so because of peer pressure and I regret it to this day. I think it did more harm to (the gardaí) than can ever be repaired.”