Garda sergeants and inspectors have voted to arm uniformed gardai in the regional support units full time.
The decision was taken against the wishes of Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy, who says An Garda Siochána will remain an unarmed police force as long as he is the Commissioner.
However, AGSI President Aidan O'Donnell says this is now Association policy and it will take the matter up with Commissioner Murphy as well as Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern.
Mr O'Donnell said they will also seek ‘legislative reform if necessary’.
