FG plans campaign against anti-social behaviour

Fine Gael is planning a campaign to highlight soaring rates of anti-social behaviour across the State.

Work on the campaign, which is being co-ordinated by the Atomic Communications company, begins this weekend.

The party plans posters around the country documenting the anti-social behaviour described as "a problem which affects every community across Ireland".

The campaign, which has a working title of "Ireland - A Night in the Life", is designed to be the party's next "stick" with which to beat the Government.

It will highlight youth gangs, property damage, graffiti, litter, noisy neighbours, theft from cars, street drinking, out-of-control dogs, vandalism, student parties and petty theft, using pictures and slogans including "Anti-social behaviour is hurting our community".

Supporting web material is being developed as well as a website, www.safestreets.ie, to which voters will be invited to contribute.

The campaign will be modelled on the party's drive against "rip-off" Ireland last year.

The briefing document says the campaign "will have strong PR support and will drive substantial media and public attention. The photographic element will be an integral component of the PR campaign".

Fine Gael's justice spokesman, Jim O'Keeffe, is drawing up policy papers on anti-social behaviour, a party spokesman said. In the past fortnight the party's former minister for justice, Michael Noonan, issued results from a study in Limerick showing people there were more concerned about street crime than gang crime.

The focus comes as increasing public attention is being turned to the issue and as Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, promises a crackdown. He has stated his intention to introduce powers for local authorities and gardaí to apply for anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs).

These will enable such bodies to apply to have a person or people suspected of involvement in anti-social behaviour summoned before a civil court. Evidence against alleged perpetrators will be based on the balance of probabilities rather than reasonable doubt.

Mr McDowell is planning to bring an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, currently before the Dáil, to make provision for the introduction of ASBOs.