Capital punishment backed by 64%

ALMOST two-thirds of people in Limerick would support the re-introduction of capital punishment for the murder of members of the security forces, a survey on attitudes to crime in the city has found.

The Fine Gael-organised survey found that 64% of respondents would support the re-introduction of capital punishment.

Deputy Michael Noonan said the controversy over the early release of those convicted of killing Detective Garda Jerry McCabe probably influenced this response.

“It indicates people support the gardaí in Limerick who, like Jerry McCabe and Ben O’Sullivan, put their lives on the line,” he said.

The survey found there was little confidence among the public in the courts with regard to tackling crime.

Up to 90% feel sentences are lenient and only 6% believe sentences are too harsh. According to 84%, sentencing for some crimes should be removed from judges by the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences.

There was a 100% call for increased sentences for rape. Mr Noonan said this very strong finding may have resulted from public concern at a lenient sentence handed down in a Cork rape case at the time of the survey.

He said many respondent had included ‘write-ins’ of their own to state their concerns about off-licences selling drink to underage teens.

On the issue of drinking:

* 92% said alcohol was a cause of crime.

* 78% said opening hours for pubs should be shorter.

* 88% said off-licences should be restricted.

On drugs, 84% believe abuse is widespread in the city and 78% feel hard drugs are easily obtained.

In response to a question: “Is drug abuse widespread in your neighbourhood?” Forty-two percent said no, 37% said yes and 20% made no response. On the legalisation of cannabis, 86% were opposed and 10% supported it.