McDowell rejects FG offer to fast-track gun laws

THE Government yesterday rejected an opposition offer to fast-track emergency anti-gun laws through the Dáil - insisting its flagship crime crackdown initiative would be in force by July.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell turned down Fine Gael calls to strip gun legislation out of the impending Criminal Justice Bill so it could be green-lighted through the Oireachtas next week.

FG leader Enda Kenny insisted the proposed measures could be law by St Patrick's Day and such dramatic action would send a clear "get tough" message to gun-totting criminals in the wake of the Donna Cleary murder.