McDowell’s admission of “Massive Sustained Crime” is an indictment of his own record

Statement by Peter Brady, Fine Gael Local Election Candidate, Lucan/Palmerstown/Quarryvale.

“The admission by Michael McDowell, Minister for Justice, on Morning Ireland this morning (18/5/04) that “There is massive sustained crime in the Dublin area” is an indictment of his own and the Government’s record” says Peter Brady, Fine Gael Local Election candidate in Lucan/Palmerstown/Quarryvale.

“It certainly gives the lie to the claims made by Fianna Fail and PD representatives that the crime rate is falling.

Two years ago, these people won re-election partly, at least, on the strength of a pledge to recruit 2,000 additional Gardai. As soon as the election was over, they abandoned their commitment. The fruits of their failure are visible in every community.

As a long-time community worker and Peace Commissioner in the Lucan area, I am very familiar with the effects of crime and anti-social behaviour on communities.

On June 11th, the public have an opportunity to punish those parties who made these false promises and elect candidates genuinely committed to the needs of local communities.”