Sir, So the response of the Minister for Justice. Ms Owen, to the recent robberies is to tell a private company to "smarten up." That used to be the response in rape cases where the victim was often portrayed as the cause of the crime. I believed our thinking had matured where it was now accepted that the perpetrator was always to blame and not the victim. Can we now expect a statement from the Minister to the elderly, many of them living; alone and in fear of their lives, to: "smarten up" as well because it is really their fault?
The crime situation in terms of robberies, attacks on old people and drug pushing/trafficking is now quite appalling. From the perspective of an ordinary individual, it is clear that these crimes can be committed and in many cases, particularly the high profile cases, no one will be caught and brought to trial. Millions of pounds have been stolen in the last 18 months and we are told that everyone knows who is behind these crimes but where is the trial? People are executed on the streets of our cities a journalist is shot at her home and we are told that everyone knows who is behind it - but where is the trial? Old people are being attacked, beaten up and robbed in their homes, indeed sometimes murdered - and where is the trial? Ecstasy and other drugs are apparently freely available in this city (and in our prisons!) and what is happening to put a serious stop to this business?
Many people have simply lost all confidence in the Gardai and although I feel much blame rests there, at the end of the day the buck stops on the desk of the Minister. There is therefore only. one comment that can be made and it's about time she took some notice - smarten up Minister, because as ordinary citizens, we don't accept this. - Yours, etc.,
Templeroan Park,
Templeogue,
Dublin 16.