09/04/2008

Government Refuses To Mediate In Limerick

The Justice Minister has ruled out Government mediation as a method to solve the escalating feud in Limerick.

However, a prominent Limerick solicitor, John Devane, has offered to step in instead to try and alleviate the situation.

Mr Devane described the current situation in Limerick as a 'powder keg waiting to explode'.

Two men have been killed in gun attacks in the city since Saturday and Gardaí believe both incidents are linked to the long-running feud between rival family-based criminal gangs.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, Mr Devane said he believes someone like himself who would be trusted by all sides should sit down with those involved.

Justice Minister Brian Lenihan said today that he was satisfied the Gardaí were doing all they could to tackle the situation.

However, he said mediation was not something he was willing to consider because it would give legitimacy to the warring gangs.

Gardaí have said they fear an upsurge in violence in the area, which they believe could descend into a all out gang war, with many more victims to add to the death toll, presently standing at 11 since 2000.

(DW/JM)

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