Gun victim's family threatens hunger strike
The family of a north Dublin man gunned down in front of his stepson vowed to go on hunger strike today unless their concerns were acknowledged.
Donna Kinsella, whose brother Lee was murdered in May, is demanding that Minister for Justice Michael McDowell toughen gun and bail laws.
The family also want those who shot the 30-year-old dead brought to justice.
Today they plan to take their protest back to the Department of Justice, where on Monday they handed in a petition with 7,500 signatures.
“All we want is five minutes with Michael McDowell to tell him our concerns and hear our story,” said Donna.
“We will be outside his Department from noon today and will wait as long as it takes to see him. We want as many people as possible to join us. If we don’t get any satisfaction today we will start our hunger strike.”
Five of Lee’s 12 siblings have threatened to begin the protest, with the rest of the family willing to follow.
Lee, of Rathoath Avenue, Finglas, died when shots were fired through the window of his home on May 8. He saved the life of his eight-year-old stepson Ryan Royce by throwing him behind a chair out of the line of fire.
The Kinsella family believe they know who shot their brother, claiming those responsible were on bail for serious offences at the time.
They are calling for other families affected by the loss of a loved one through gun or knife crime to join their campaign.
“We know they are trying to change the laws, but something needs to be done now,” continued Donna.
“The proposed guns amnesty is not going to work. The type of people who have guns are not going to hand it in.”
