Fine Gael Cork South Central Senator Jerry Buttimer today (Thursday) condemned the murder of a man in a gangland style shooting in Wilton, Co. Cork last night, calling for resources to be made available to Gardaí to help prevent the escalation of drug and ‘turf’ wars.
“Under no circumstances can we countenance this level of gangland crime on the streets of Cork. It is imperative that the resources are given to Gardaí to help in the prevention of drug and ‘turf’ wars.
“The upsurge in gangland murders in Dublin must not be mirrored in Cork. As Fine Gael has pointed out repeatedly, urgent action must be taken by:
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Introducing a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years fro murder;
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Filling senior Garda vacancies immediately;
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Giving customs the resources needed to prevent the entry of drugs into the country by introducing scanners at our airports and ports;
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Increasing the number of community Gardaí to assist in information gathering;
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Restricting movements of gangland criminals on evidence of a Chief Superintendent.
“As the Fine Gael Seanad Drugs Spokesperson, I am acutely aware of the ongoing battle society is facing with the increasing use of drugs, therefore it is essential that every resource is used to curb drug dealing and to thwart drug lords from engaging in gangland activity which is threatening our communities.
“Gangland activity is not acceptable and the murder in Wilton last night is a wake up call that every step must be taken to eradicate this real threat.”