Commissioner appalled by fatal Dublin stabbings

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan has described the two fatal knife attacks in 24 hours in Dublin as shocking and appalling.

But the commissioner dismissed any suggestion that tighter controls on potential weapons were needed, and urged society to face up to its responsibilities.

John Maguire (51) a former publican in the capital, was found dead yesterday afternoon from stab wounds inside his front door by a friend.

He lived in the Smithfield area of Dublin city centre for more than 10 years and was well known in the area.

Less than 24 hours earlier James Humphries, a 32-year-old father of one, was stabbed to death outside a house at Kiltalown Way, Tallaght, Dublin.

“Our first thoughts and prayers go to the families of the bereaved,” the Commissioner said.

“It is a shocking, appalling case when someone’s life is taken.”

Mr Callinan said detectives were working hard on both cases and the crimes were a matter for society to look at how it behaves.

“It would be an impossible situation to ban knives and sharp objects as we all know,” he said.

“So it’s a question of people being reasonable in how they conduct their business.”

Mr Callinan added that the number of assaults committed across the country generally were down, according to the latest crime figures released by the Central Statistics Office.

“It is the case that public order and crimes against the person are on the way down and let’s hope we can keep it that way,” he said.

“It would be impractical to suggest you should ban all knives, all sharp objects,” said Mr Callinan.

“People have a legitimate purpose for using these type of instruments.

“So it is important that people behave when they are out in public and when arguments ensue that they will act responsibility.”

PA