Appeal for summit to tackle violence

A SUMMIT of community leaders is urgently needed to tackle the scourge of violence in society, the Archbishop of Dublin said last night.

Dr Diarmuid Martin was speaking at a prayer service in Drimnagh in memory of two Polish men murdered in the area on February 23.

The event in the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel was attended by President Mary McAleese, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan and Minister of State Conor Lenihan. The Taoiseach was represented by his aide-de-camp.

Members of the Polish community were prominent at the service along with many local residents.

Pawel Kalite, 26, and Marius Szwajkos, 27, were attacked and stabbed with a screwdriver near their home on Benbulbin Road last weekend after a row involving a gang of youths.

They both died later from their injuries.

The Dublin Archdiocese said last night’s service was being held to allow people and priests of Mourne Road parish to pay their respects.

At the service, the Archbishop appealed for a “community summit” — organised from the ground up — to address the question of violence in society.

Dr Martin said: “Parents, young people, teachers, priests, gardaí and others could work together on matters of common concern, sharing information and raising issues at the earliest opportunity.

“Much good work is already being done, and that work needs to be replicated around Dublin city and experiences and knowledge widely shared.

“Local authorities could offer practical support to such groups and bring them together.”

The prelate added: “The challenges of violence and substance abuse go beyond the realm of crime prevention and require a wider outreach to the entire community. We cannot just leave community involvement to moments of tragedy alone, when it is too late.”

More than 2,000 people also attended a silent vigil on Saturday evening, where a letter from the families of the men offering thanks for the support they have received was read out.

Conor Lenihan said before last night’s service: “This is a tragic event and I would like to offer my condolences to the families of these two young men and my support to the community, who I know have been greatly affected by this tragedy.”

Gardaí arrested a teenage girl yesterday in connection with the tragic double murder.

Two male teenagers were released last week after being questioned in relation to the incident.