Attacked councillor plans tough anti-social campaign
Green Cllr Chris O’Leary vowed last night to spearhead a campaign, with the backing of his party, that will make life impossible for thugs who are terrorising communities.
“We will be sending out a clear message that this type of behaviour won’t be tolerated,” he said.
“We will be outlining the steps that people suffering from anti-social behaviour can take to tackle it and the range of supports that are out there.”
Mr O’Leary has consistently spoken out on anti-social and criminal behaviour. Attacks were made on his home and car in the last 18 months.
Mr O’Leary, his wife and child were lucky to escape with their lives after an arson attack on their Mahon home last Friday night.
The porch of their terraced house was completely gutted in the attack. The front of the house was also badly scorched.
Repairs are likely to take five to eight weeks to complete and costs are likely to run into thousands of euro.
But Mr O’Leary said, although shaken by the attack, he would not back down.
The Green Party is preparing thousands of leaflets for distribution in Mahon and later across the city.
“We will be warning those who behave in this manner that we will be working within the law to stop it,” Mr O’Leary said. “We will be going all out on this.”
Drug dealers, joyriders, publicans who sell drink to and those buy drink for underage people, and those who attack homes will all be targeted.
Mr O’Leary said those living with anti-social activity, and virtual prisoners in their own homes, will be encouraged to take a stand.
“I have been inundated by people telling me their own stories. And believe me, they are in worse situations than me.”
A mass public meeting is also being planned.
It is understood the mother of the teenager who is facing several charges in connection with the attack on Mr O’Leary’s home, has contacted the politician to apologise for his actions.
The 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been remanded in custody at St Patrick’s Institution to appear at Cork District Court again next Monday.
Meanwhile, Independent Cllr Con O’Connell criticised the Lord Mayor, Michael Ahern, and city manager Joe Gavin, for not making a public statement condemning the attack.
At Monday nights council meeting, Mr Ahern said he condemned the attack but declined to be drawn on the matter.
