McDowell defends garda handling of Dublin riots
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has mounted a strong defence of the garda handling of Saturday's violence in Dublin city centre.
Speaking in the Dáil last night, opposition politicians criticised the garda strategy for dealing with the loyalist march and republican counter-demonstration that led to the rioting.
On the day, gardaí seemed completely unprepared for the scale of the trouble and unequipped to take on the rioters.
However, Mr McDowell said last night that the Gardaí had comprehensive plans in place for dealing with Saturday's protests and the blame for what happened lies squarely with those involved in the violence and those who orchestrated it.
He also said lessons should be learned from the situation and security at upcoming events may have to be reconsidered as a result.
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