Status quo is a death knell for optimism - Prison reform report

Earlier this week, Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy said 522 people had been warned by An Garda Síochána that their lives were in danger from criminals. The level of threat varied — 11 people were categorised as being in critical jeopardy. Mr Leahy pointed out that the Kinahan-Hutch feud is the driving force behind these figures.

Reaction to the deathwatch warnings was varied. At one end of the spectrum, the entirely predictable stand-back-and-let-them-at-it response prevailed. This may be an accurate reflection of how some in society view these murderous gangs, but it is hardly one that might lead to a solution to this toxic behaviour. It is certainly not one that might help create more stable, secure communities where now there are inner-city fiefdoms controlled by drug dealers.