McDowell must take responsibility for policing and security ‘debacle’ during riots, says Rabbitte

THE weekend violence in Dublin was the culmination of a policing “debacle” which Justice Minister Michael McDowell should take responsibility for, Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said yesterday.

During the Dáil debate on the issue, Mr McDowell said that he had ministerial responsibility for the gardaí, but had “no hand, act or part” in the force’s preparation for the parade because this was not his function.

However, Mr Rabbitte insisted: “The minister cannot dodge behind any distinction between policy and operations.