The Government is determined violent crime will never stalk the State so brutally and freely as it did in 1996 when journalist Veronica Guerin and Det Garda Jerry McCabe were shot dead, the Taoiseach said last night.
Speaking at a ceremony to unveil a commemorative plaque for Ms Guerin, Mr Ahern said the Government's response to her murder was to introduce tough legislation. The centre-piece of this was the Proceeds of Crime Act, Mr Ahern said, along with the creation of the Criminal Assets Bureau.
"Taken together, these are the most significant developments ever made in this country to combat organised crime." As a result of successful crime fighting at home, some Irish criminals had moved their bases abroad.
The chairman of Independent News and Media, Dr Tony O'Reilly, said Veronica Guerin was a "a world-class symbol". She had worked for the creation of a more democratic society and for a peaceful society, he said. She was dedicated to her task as few others were.
The plaque, which will be mounted in the foyer of Independent News and Media's Middle Abbey Street offices in Dublin, was unveiled by her mother, Mrs Bernie Guerin.
She encouraged journalists to continue the work her daughter had done in highlighting wrongdoing.
In particular, she urged the media to highlight the plight of drug addicts, and the lack of treatment facilities for them. Every year there were 100 drug-related deaths in Ireland, Mrs Guerin said.
The bronze plaque was crafted by Dublin-based artist Mr John Coll. Veronica Guerin's husband, Mr Graham Turley, said he and his son, Cathal, were delighted with the result.