Minister’s crime rise claim is nonsense

IN his response to the latest figures which show violent crime to be soaring, Justice Minister Michael McDowell has claimed the increase is in line with what might be expected given the large increase in the population over the last five years.

Is the minister seriously suggesting the increase in crime is entirely the fault of immigrants and toddlers under the age of five?

The notion that crime must inexorably rise is in line with an increase in population in patent nonsense.

For example, the population was also growing between 1994 and 1997 during the Rainbow government, yet crime fell by 11% during those years.

There is only one clear difference between the Rainbow’s period in office and this Government’s term, and that is the policies pursued.

And clearly, the policies adopted by this coalition have failed miserably.

Barry Walsh

Brookfield Hall

Castletroy

Co Limerick