Publican criticises govt for lack of Garda resources

A Co Longford publican, whose pub was the scene of a violent incident this week, has criticised the lack of resources available to the Gardaí.

Peter Byrne from Ballymahon was attacked on Wednesday night by a group of more than 20 people and was left with head injuries and broken teeth.

Nine people were later arrested.

The publican said the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has a lot to answer for: “We’re out here in Ballymahon and we don’t have a full-time garda station. We’re relying on Athlone and basically I suppose Athlone comes first.

“It’s not the guards, it’s a problem with the government. The minister has a lot to answer for as far as I'm concerned,” he said.