Armed gardaí to police streets over December

17/12/2006 - 10:17:58
Gardaí wearing body armour and armed with sub-machine guns will, for the first time, be on duty over the festive period.

It’s in response to the recent wave of gangland shootings in Dublin.

The Taoiseach is to meet with the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner tomorrow to discuss Garda resources, the tightening of the bail laws, and the need for speedier trials.

Michael McDowell has openly criticised what he calls “soft judges” who allow hardened criminals out on bail despite strong Garda objections.

A survey published this morning shows that 96 per cent of people questioned want the non-jury Special Criminal Court to deal with organised gangs.