MORE prison places, tougher sentences and speedier trial procedures are needed to tackle crime, according to the Tanaiste, Mr Spring.
In a speech more typical of an opposition politician than a Government Minister, Mr Spring also called yesterday for more forensic facilities for the investigation of en me.
He was quickly accused of "breathtaking political opportunism" by the Fianna Fail spokesman on Justice, Mr John O'Donoghue, who instanced several occasions on which tougher anti crime measures promoted by Fianna Fail were resisted by the Labour Party.
Mr Spring was speaking at a ceremony at the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary.
"We need tougher sentences for crimes of violence," he said. "We must make no distinction between the use of a gun or a hypodermic syringe in committing a crime.
"We need more prison spaces and greater speed in bringing cases, to court. We need more forensic facilities. And we need to be tough minded about anyone who persistently flouts the law."
Asked if he was criticising judges, Mr Spring said he wanted to "send out a very clear signal that we expect tough sentences to be imposed.
Mr O'Donoghue said Mr Spring had a "brass neck." He said the Labour Party had cancelled Fianna Fail's plans for new prisons, and resisted proposals including the bail referendum and minimum sentences for a variety of drug crimes and attacks involving syringes.
It had also opposed measures which would have ensured speedier trials for serious offences.
The Labour leader had now had a "Pauline conversion on the road to his ineluctable date with the people," Mr O'Donoghue said. "It's a lesson too late for the learning for the Coalition Government."