McDowell’s measures welcome

AS violent criminals continue to plague society, the measures unveiled by Tánaiste Michael McDowell to tackle organised crime signifies that the Government has finally acknowledged that the country is in crisis.

Some proposals are already in the public arena, including the new garda radio system, plus the planned purchase of 1,200 new garda cars. Having delayed until now, yesterday’s signing of the radio contract smacks of blatant news management.

That said, the public will applaud the recruitment of an extra 1,000 gardaí over three years to bring the force up to 15,000.

Recruiting an additional 300 civilians for administrative work is also to be welcomed — provided it means more gardaí on the streets.