Gardaí weakened and endangered by austerity

I recently learned in the Irish Examiner of the threats made to members of An Garda Siochana stationed in Carbury, Co. Kildare, and to their families. It was news to me, but hardly surprising, considering the criminal fraternity are well aware of politicians’ lack of interest in the welfare of members of the force. Politicians have denuded the force of manpower, transport and finance for years.

Why should anyone now be surprised to learn that criminals feel so dismissive of any law-and-order restrictions in the remainder of our country?

The Limerick situation should have been a wake-up call of what can happen when criminals are allowed to turn their noses up at a demoralised force.

Look at the results in Limerick, when proper resources were provided to the Gardai, but, also, look at the cost involved in bringing law and order back to that community.

If proper laws were put in place and proper resources provided, I am sure it wouldn’t have been half as costly. However, politicians did not learn from Limerick and reduced garda numbers throughout the country to a skeleton force, allowed their transport to fall apart, removed UZI firearms from detective units and members’ wages were reduced by 20%.

The public are well aware that criminals are being allowed to run wild through the countryside. They must speak up and demand the security they deserve.

Tony Fagan

Enniscorthy

Co Wexford