McDowell defends Government’s crime detection record

AN TÁNAISTE Michael McDowell yesterday defended the Government’s record on combating crime in Dublin, challenging Fine Gael’s assertion that the justice minister was failing to protect the capital’s citizens.

Unveiling statistics that showed the detection rate at 33.5% in Dublin, Fine Gael’s deputy leader Richard Bruton said that under Mr McDowell, it was “quite easy” to get away with serious crime in Dublin.

“Over four years ago, the Justice Minister and the rest of his Government made a pledge that people would feel safer in their homes, communities and businesses. With just nine months to go until the General Election it is clear that, for the people of Dublin, Michael