Donaghmede shots show FG losing control of gangland crime
After another indiscriminate shooting, this time in Donaghmede, Labour Senator Aodhán Ó Riordáin has said the escalating number of attacks show that Fine Gael have lost control of gangland crime, and that the Minister for Justice who has refused to engage with him on Garda resources for the area must now step in.
Sen. Ó Ríordáin said:
“Yesterday evening there was another reckless shooting, this time outside Donaghmede shopping centre where reports indicate shots were fired at a male individual. It follows a recent killing in Darndale, a pipe bomb in Edenmore, and the shocking feuding we have seen in Drogheda.
“Consistently I have raised through Seanad commencement debates the need for increased Garda resources on the Northside. Do we have to wait for an incident similar to what happened a fortnight ago in Drogheda before we get a parade of the Minister and senior Gardaí? Now is the time to intervene and nip this in the bud. We have been actively campaigning for a garda station locally for this expanding community.
“I am disappointed that to date the Minister for Justice has refused to engage yet he has been happy to visit Drogheda and pledge action there. Will he only react when incidents reach a level of shock that he has no choice?
“Why is the Northside being ignored? These are no ordinary crimes and deserve the attention of the Minister for Justice. He can no longer ignore the escalation in serious crime. Ministerial interference in the re-opening of Stepaside Garda Station is being actively celebrated, despite being against the expressed wishes of the Assistant Garda Commissioner while we have inaction here. The Minister says Garda resources are a matter for the Commissioner which frankly is a dereliction of duty.
“It is time to take on the escalating number of gun shootings by committing the resources to tackle this once and for all. Continually insisting these incidents are an operational matter for the Gardaí is insulting to the communities who need protection.”