In concentrating on law enforcement and reform, the Cabinet has adopted a one-dimensional approach in its response to recent gun killings. As is so often the case when the political imperative is the need to be seen to be tough on crime, there is no reference to causative factors or of preventive action outside the sphere of the criminal justice system. Such issues do not lend themselves to sound bites or quick initiatives but they are an essential part of protecting innocents like Anthony Campbell, murdered last week because he was in the wrong place.
This is not to minimise the anti-crime proposals advanced by the Minister for Justice on Tuesday nor the ferocity of recent incidents. Nor does it amount to a soft centred or woolly response. Of course, it is imperative that the Garda is properly equipped - legislatively, operationally, numerically, physically and mechanically; and that all arms of the criminal justice system are working effectively. But that is not enough.
For his part, Mr McDowell is promising increased garda numbers, specifically the recruitment of 1,000 additional fulltime officers, 600 extra reservists and 300 civilians. As ever when it comes to garda numbers, there is an element of smoke and mirrors about these "target" figures. Recruitment will take place over an extended period and - after years of discussion - it has yet to be demonstrated by the Government or the Garda that civilianisation can be achieved in meaningful numbers. That being said, civilianisation does accord with recommendations on structural reform published by the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and the Garda Síochána Advisory Group last month. But progress must be made too on other management and operational changes proposed by the two groups to modernise the force.
Mr McDowell is considering also the introduction of anti-racketeering laws, reform of bail legislation and possible amendments to the right to silence. He has acknowledged that such changes require careful examination by setting up an expert group to advise him. It has been given until March 1st to report back although it is not clear how this deadline tallies with the Minister's commitment on Tuesday to bring legislative changes to the Dáil in late January or February.
In relying on legislative change, the Minister would do well to heed the words of Fr Gregory O'Brien at the funeral of murdered criminal Martin Hyland. He warned that laws can only make people conform; they cannot make them good. This is especially relevant in relation to the drugs trade which is at the heart of organised crime.That trade is based on the principles of supply and demand and both must be addressed with equal rigour. Demand reduction requires investment in welfare, social, education and maintenance projects to address addiction. In the rush to respond to the kind of events that have appalled society in recent days, such measures are always ignored. But they are essential, as part of a combined approach, to making real progress.