Ahern urged to stop vigilantes in their tracks

JUSTICE Minister Dermot Ahern has been called on to ensure vigilantes don’t take over the rule of law in Cork.

The call was made by Fine Gael Justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan after it was revealed by the Irish Examiner that vigilantes had threatened to kill drug dealers on the southside of Cork city.

A number of men wearing dark clothing issued the warning contained in leaflets which were distributed last weekend in the Passage West, Rochestown, Togher and Ballyphehane areas.

Gardaí are carrying out an investigation into the threats, which were said to have been issued on leaflets purporting to be from the 32 County Sovereignty Movement. Mr Flanagan described the threats as a worrying development which needed to be dealt with as a matter of urgency by the Minister for Justice.

“We cannot allow a situation to develop whereby vigilante dissident republicans are taking the credit for expelling drug dealers from communities and thereby gaining a strong foothold in localities,” the deputy said.

He said that dealing is a matter that can only be legitimately dealt with by An Garda Síochána.

“I am urging Minister Ahern to ensure that no vacuums exist in Community Garda numbers to make space for vigilantes to operate,” Mr Flanagan said.

He claimed that last month the 32 County Sovereignty Movement took credit for driving six drug dealers out of Cavan, allegedly following requests for help from local people.

“This group is now active in at least three counties distributing leaflets claiming members won’t stand idly by while a community is attacked by anti-social elements led by sinister, criminal figures,” the TD said.

He said law and order is a matter for the gardaí and the courts in this state and it is totally inappropriate for a group with no official role or mandate to assume a function that should be lawfully carried out by the gardaí.

“Such is my concern that last month I wrote to Minister Ahern requesting that this matter be dealt with. Anecdotal evidence suggests that in recent months, intelligence units formerly operating along the border have been diverted to other locations to deal with gangland crime issues.”

“I am calling on Minister Ahern to meet with the Garda Commissioner to address this issue,” Mr Flanagan added.