Crime ‘is not a vote catcher’

CANDIDATES in the General Election have been asked not to use crime as a cynical vote catcher.

Yesterday, an organisation representing victims of serious crime said every voter should ask tough questions and get their candidates to work for justice and fairness for families bereaved by homicide.

Advocates for Victims of Homicide (AdVIC), anational organisation that campaigns for greater rights for victims of homicide, yesterday released details of their election charter.

‘Effective Sentences for Perpetrators of Homicide and Fair Treatment for Bereaved Families’ was described as the blueprint for the introduction of reforms.

Speaking yesterday outside the Dáil where they delivered copies of the charter to all sitting TDs, Aoife Dillon said: “Already in this election campaign, candidates from all parties are using crime to attract votes. Is this a genuine commitment to change? Because if this is an empty promise, for families bereaved by homicide, this would be just another crime.”

A representative of a family affected by violent crime, Annie Mulvaney, said: “AdVIC is urging every voter to use their power to bring about reform. We’re urging them to ask their local candidate where they stand on these three vital issues: why sentencing is so weak and inconsistent; the treatment of families and the lack of counselling services.”

The charter will be distributed to voters by families of homicide victims all over the country and is available online at www.advic.ie