McDowell attacks Bruton over claims on garda numbers
20/03/2006 - 13:04:53Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has launched a blistering attack on Fine Gael TD Richard Bruton over his claims that the number of gardaí in Dublin have risen by just two in the past year.
Mr Bruton says official government figures show that garda numbers in the capital were just two higher last year than they were in 2004.
However, speaking to reporters in Dublin, a furious Mr McDowell insisted this was rubbish and that garda numbers in the city had risen consistently during his term in office.
He accused Mr Bruton and Fine Gael of deliberately suppressing information provided last year on the strength of the Gardaí.
"They are manipulating public opinion and their figures are false," he said.
