IF ever proof was needed that we are living in a banana republic it comes with the outrageous news that a 40-year old Dundalk man David Gartlan, who hasn’t worked for some time, was jailed for 10 days beside rapists and murderers because he failed to pay a 250 fine for not having a 12 dog licence.

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell yesterday promised to end sending people to prison for non-payment of fines as it emerged it cost €2,000 to keep an unemployed man behind bars after he failed to pay for his €12 dog licence.

THE bizarre tale of a man who was incarcerated because he failed to pay a €12 dog licence is a damning comment on the inconsistencies of the court system.