THE GOVERNMENT’S controversial legislation to tackle gangland criminals is appropriate, proportionate and necessary, Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has said.
Rejecting criticism of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill, the commissioner said he had backed Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern’s plans three months ago when they were first mooted and nothing had since changed his mind.
In the Phoenix Park yesterday during a celebration of the 50th anniversary of women in the force, the commissioner said while the investigation into the murder of Wayne Doherty (32) in Hartstown, west Dublin, last Saturday night was progressing well, it underlined the challenges facing the Garda.
“This type [of] activity where people take out a shotgun and shoot another human being is something that we have to stop.
“It’s important that the Garda Síochána are equipped with the appropriate legislation. My challenge is now that when this law is enacted to be in a position to enforce it.”
Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan and Labour TD Pat Rabbitte have claimed in the Dáil that a Cabinet Minister had met lawyers opposed to the legislation and had promised to support calls to have the legislation’s passage delayed.
Later, sources in both parties claimed that the Minister concerned was Minister for the Environment John Gormley, but this was strongly and repeatedly denied by a Green Party spokesman last evening.
"There was no meeting. John Gormley did not meet any lawyers about this," a party spokesman told The Irish Times. "He doesn't believe that there is anything to be achieved by deferring this legislation."
Green Party TD Ciarán Cuffe last week said greater use of the Special Criminal Court was not the solution to gangland crime, while other measures could be used to counter jury intimidation.
However, Mr Ahern has refused to make any concessions to Fianna Fáil’s junior partners and the Greens have decided not to push the issue, particularly in view of public support for tougher laws.
Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins castigated Fine Gael for wanting the legislation’s entry into force delayed.
“I find it barely credible that Fine Gael, the so-called party of law and order, want this crucial legislation to be delayed for a number of months,” the Limerick West TD said. “Fine Gael want to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.
“We are facing paralysis by analysis. The Government want this legislation, the people want this legislation, but Fine Gael now support Labour and Sinn Féin in demanding more talk time.”
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh appealed again to Mr Ahern to delay the passage of the legislation until September.
“I would urge all TDs in the Dáil who know the true meaning of being tough on crime, while respecting the democratic safeguards contained in our justice system, to stand together in opposition to the regressive and ultimately ineffective measures contained in this Bill,” he said.