Garda probe should be highlighted - RSF

national | crime and justice | press release Thursday November 22, 2007 18:41 by Richard Walsh - Republican Sinn Féin

A spokesman for Republican Sinn Féin has stated that allegations of Garda misbehaviour must be investigated at the highest level.

GARDA PROBE SHOULD BE HIGHLIGHTED

The allegations of Garda misbehaviour published by the Sunday Tribune that drugs were used to get criminals to inform on other gang members must be investigated at the highest level, a spokesman for Republican Sinn Féin said on November 21st.

Joe Lynch, of Beechgrove Avenue in Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick – Vice-Chairman of Comhairle na Múmhan (Munster Executive) said that no other newspaper had the courage to follow up the story.

“It is strange that an investigation has found alleged evidence of Garda wrong-doing but there is no widespread media coverage of it,” he said.

“While at this stage the incidents have only been alleged, if even half of the story is true it is a shocking scenario.

“The fact that the Gardaí can retain drugs found in raids and then allegedly use these drugs to pay of criminals is in itself bordering on criminality.

“The scourge of criminal gangs and illegal drugs is a topic of major concern to many Limerick people, and if Gardaí are encouraging drug-taking in the ravaged communities then it is a National scandal.

“The victims are the innocent men and women, and if the Gardaí are contributing to the demand for illegal drugs then they are only making the criminal gangs richer and more powerful.

“The Sunday Tribune coverage must be explored and followed up by other media outlets to determine the extent of the problem in our society. Alleged illegal activity by Gardaí must not be tolerated.”