Anti-terror bill - Erosion of civil rights unacceptable

It was inevitable that the recent atrocities perpetrated in Madrid would result in a review of security and a general tightening up of anti-terrorist measures across Europe.

But it is disingenuous of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to deny Madrid has led to the ultra-extreme measures proposed in the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Bill 2002.

Because of the slaughter in Madrid and the fear engendered by it, European leaders have been spurred to decide on a range of anti-terrorist measures which, if successfully implemented, would impose an intolerable security regime on people across Europe.