Fine Gael has offered to support new Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan if he proposes suitable action to curb the homicide rate.
Speaking in light of three violent killings this weekend, Jim O'Keeffe said an "urgent action plan" was needed otherwise the historically high rate of violent deaths in 2006 was set to be repeated this year.
Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin also entered the debate calling for a summit of community leaders to address the "horror at the revolting new culture of violence".
Speaking at the annual Cemetery Mass in Donabete, north Dublin, he said: "The levels of violence and the repetitions of killings are reaching levels which are truly close to an emergency for our society."
Detectives are this weekend investigating a fatal stabbing in Drogheda, a gangland murder in Finglas and a death during a brawl in Nenagh.
"After such a grim and grisly 48 hours which has left decent people in local communities shocked, it is abundantly clear that without an urgent action plan to tackle violent crime 'more of the same' is exactly what is in store."
"I believe that it is time the new Justice Minister set out his stall on how he intends to tackle the rise in violent crime.
"Fine Gael will support measures that are tough on crime and the Minister can be assured of constructive opposition and a positive response to any proposals which will make law-abiding citizens safer," Mr O'Keeffe said.
The gangland-style shooting in Finglas this morning "hammered home" the need for urgent action, added.
The killing was carried out by two gunmen at around 9am this morning. They shot dead their victim - a man in his 30s dead when he opened the door of his house on Ratoath Drive.
There was also a killing in Co Tipperary overnight. A man died after injuries sustained in a fight in Nenagh at around 2am. A second man was treated for stab wounds but his injuries were not life threatening.
Yesterday, gardai launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a 32-year-old man with stab wounds in the garden of his house in Drogheda late Friday night.