Gardaí seek extra powers

SENIOR gardaí yesterday demanded the functions of the Special Criminal Court are extended to tackle “extreme gangland crime”.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said it was now time to ensure hardened criminals are put behind bars, where they belong.

The association’s general secretary Joe Dirwan also insisted the criminal justice system should be firmly on the side of victims and their families - such as the families of Anthony Campbell and Alan Cunniffe.

He noted the Special Criminal Court had been successful in dealing with serious subversive criminals in the past.

“Modern criminals have formed alliances with former subversives to terrorist communities,” said Mr Dirwan. “It is time for the criminal justice system to gear up and respond in a firm way in the defence of our society.

Meanwhile, rank and file gardaí claimed crime bosses could be put “out of business” if they were properly resourced and supported.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) rejected statements by the Tánaiste, Justice Minister Michael McDowell, that resources were not an issue for the force in combating gangland crime.

GRA president John Egan said he did not think recent comments by Commissioner Conroy meant that the garda chief believed no more resources were needed.

“I think the Garda Commissioner was saying that the overtime chequebook had been opened and that we had the manpower we needed, but we are looking at a long term solution.”

Mr Egan added that the promised bullet-proof vests, extendable batons, anti-stab vests and pepper sprays had still not been made available to gardaí on the street.

“We need to be made as safe in work as possible so we can make everyone else as safe as possible.”