11/11/2008

Fine Gael Slams Murder Conviction Record

A Fine Gael Minister has hit out at the government over violent crime, claiming it has failed to "tackle these psychopaths".

Minister Charles Flanagan said that with just 14 convictions for the country's 127 gang-related murders in the past 11 years it needs to do more.

The Fine Gael Justice Spokesman also reiterated his call for mandatory minimum murder sentences of 25 years and said he has written to Ceann Comhairle, John O'Donoghue asking for an emergency debate on gangland murders.

"By last August there had been just 14 convictions for 127 murders in the last 11 years, and with murderers serving an average sentence of just 13 years, there is little deterrent for this worst of crimes.

"Murder must carry a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years," he said.

Mr Flanagan added: "New anti-gangland laws under the Criminal Justice Act 2006 are still not being enforced.

"No-one has been charged for directing gangland activity under new laws introduced two years ago."

"I have written to Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue calling for the suspension of Dáil business to allow a special Dáil debate on gangland murders.

"As national outrage grows about the brutal slaying of Shane Geoghegan, the Government's failure to tackle these psychopaths and protect innocent civilians is growing more evident."

(DW)

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