Progressive Democrats leader Michael McDowell yesterday promised that Garda numbers would increase to over 15,000 by the end of 2008.
Speaking at the launch of the third in a series of pre-election billboard posters promoting the achievements of the PDs in Government, Mr McDowell said Garda numbers have grown to an all-time high thanks to his party's commitment to combating crime.
He said since 2002 Garda numbers have increased to over 14,000, including recruits.
"We will further increase Garda numbers to over 15,000 in the coming two years."
He said the increase in Garda numbers demonstrated his party's commitment to combating crime, and was just one of a number of steps introduced to counter the threat of crime.
Other measures included tougher sentences, freeing-up gardaí to fight crime, the creation of the Garda Reserve and the introduction of anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos).
"The Progressive Democrats are committed to ensuring that criminals feel the full rigours of the law and are under constant pressure from the apparatus of the State," said Mr McDowell.
By increasing Garda numbers a clear warning had been sent to the criminal fraternity.
He said that further reforms, such as the Office of the Garda Ombudsman, a new Garda Inspectorate and the introduction of the Garda Traffic Corps, would further enable gardaí to combat crime.