Fine Gael justice spokesperson, Mr Alan Shatter TD, today accused the government of failing to tackle growing violence in Dublin.
The party's justice spokesperson, Mr Alan Shatter TD, today accused the government of a "shameful cover-up on street violence."
Mr Shatter said that 95% of Dublin is not safe at night and that the city had become similar to 'Dodge City' in the Wild West.
Labour party spokesman on Justice, Mr Brendan Howlin, was also sharply critical of the Minister for Justice saying an urgent response was needed to the upsurge in violent crime.
Mr Howlin, said it was time for the Government "to be honest about the crime debate."
Responding to an opinion poll, which indicated that 73% of the population believes that the battle against crime is being lost, Mr Howlin described it as "a fitting testament to the Government's record on crime."
He said the Minister for Justice, Mr John O'Donoghue came to office promising to herald in an era of zero tolerance but had failed to deliver.
"The Minister for Justice is happy to make absurd claims about crimes rates returning to 1950s levels, but it is not to late for a serious debate on the crime issue," Mr Howlin said.
He added: "If that is to happen it will require an end to the bombast and blustering of the failed Minister for Justice."