Sir, – I’ve just read of the dreadful attack on Oleksandr Hrekov (“Abbey Theatre condemns ‘random act of mindless violence’ against actor who was bitten and glassed”, News, June 26th). It is awful to hear of such an attack on a performer, possibly even more so given he is Ukrainian and a visitor to our country. It highlights an even more disturbing outcome of being in central Dublin, especially at night. I no longer feel safe in the city centre at night. Where are all the gardaí? Why do we not have a more visible Garda presence on the streets of our capital in line with many other countries? I have seen people taking drugs within sight of children, and it’s not uncommon to witness theft, physical attacks and drunk and disorderly behaviour. I don’t see this in other major cities I visit. It’s all very fine having a Garda station on O’Connell Street, but gardaí out and about on the streets would be much more effective. – Yours, etc,
SANDRA MATHEWS,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.