Taoiseach backs tougher stance on gangland crime

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday said the authorities were not hard enough on the sort of criminals who frequently operate with complete impunity.

Responding to criticism of the Government’s approach to gangland crime by Socialist Party leader Joe Higgins, Mr Ahern also said it was unfair to gardaí that they would be disciplined if they hit the wrong person.

“We believe that a garda going out with a book and a pencil will deal with these people and if a garda was to hit the wrong one he would be up before a board under the disciplinary code.