Garda crime figures - Expansion of crackdown welcome

THE dramatic explosion in violent crime, illustrated by the latest garda figures, is a bleak reflection of modern Ireland.

With vicious turf wars breaking out between feuding gangs, there has been a dramatic rise in the rate of murder, drug and firearm offences. Out of 54 murders last year, 19 were the fallout of gang warfare.

In a highly disturbing development, sexual offences have also risen sharply. While it is impossible to know with any degree of certainty, the hope is that this trend is due to increased reporting of sexual violence. But the level of violence in sex assaults is also growing.