Paul Hosford: Helen McEntee's future depends on the streets of Dublin remaining peaceful

A vote of no confidence is unlikely to be tabled but the Justice Minister is under sustained pressure from the opposition

Justice Minister Helen McEntee, right, and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe visiting Dublin's Store St in July in the wake of a spate of violent incidents with Assistant Garda Commissioner Angie Willis and Chief Superintendent Pat McMenamin. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins 

The issue of policing in Dublin has been thrown into sharp focus following the horrific stabbing of three children at a school in the north inner city last week and the violence that followed.

While the aftermath of last Thursday is still being felt and two victims remain in hospital, focus has landed on two high-profile figures — Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, a TD for the area, said in the immediate aftermath of the incidents that she wanted to see Ms McEntee leave her post.