Gangland killings - Give us more gardaí on the beat

YET another shocking gangland murder brings to 26 the number of fatal shootings in 2006, a year marked by an epidemic of violent crime in Ireland.

As the annus horribilis draws to a dismal close, there have been 67 homicides to date, the highest number in the history of the state.

Many of those deaths stemmed from ongoing feuds between warring factions in urban areas of Dublin and Limerick, where local communities are living in fear. But while yesterday’s death in Dublin’s north inner city may be linked to a gangland murder a fortnight ago, the 28-year-old victim could be an innocent man, gunned down in yet another case of mistaken identity.

His death comes as the Coalition appoints an expert to review the work of the Forensic Science Laboratory. Astonishingly, while gardaí have 42 days to gather forensic evidence, it can take up to 50 or 60 days for this understaffed and poorly funded laboratory to produce relevant data.

People can be forgiven for being cynical as Justice Minister Michael McDowell considers forming an all-party body of TDs and senators to discuss legislative reform in this rapidly changing area. What the public want is more gardaí on the beat to combat crime — not another talking shop.