Minister: New laws will help Gardaí tackle gang crime head on

GARDAÍ will be able to tackle gang crime “head on” Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said after controversial laws allowing for trial without jury were signed into law.

President Mary McAleese decided not to refer the Criminal Justice Amendment Bill to the Supreme Court after a meeting with the Council of State on Wednesday night.

She held talks for over three hours with the former major office holders and experts who advise her on key constitutional matters.