The Garda does not need the assistance of "self-appointed police forces" to combat Ireland's crime problems, according to a Fianna Fáil general election candidate.
Declaring his "utmost respect" for the Garda, Kerry North senator Mr Dan Kiely, who has clashed frequently with Sinn Féin's Mr Martin Ferris, said: "There is only one police force in this country. We live in a civil and crime-free society. Anybody who does not accept the role of the Garda is undermining the authority of the State and that is an untenable position."
Calling for support in the general election, he said: "A vote for Fianna Fáil is a vote for the Garda. I hope that people will use the election to reaffirm their support for the force."
Dublin South West TD Cllr Charlie O'Connor said the actions of vigilantes were "ultimately destructive. That is true in Kerry, in Tallaght or any other community in this civilian State."
Dublin North Central candidate Cllr Deirdre Heney said publicans who served under-age drinkers should "face the full rigours of the law", but parents must also take action to monitor the behaviour of their children.
Alderman Peter Power from Limerick East said Fianna Fáil had taken over power in 1997 when "an unprecedented crime wave was spiralling out of control. Nora Owen was a minister completely out of her depth and the Department of Justice was completely out of control." Acknowledging the increase in the number of public order offences, he called for a greater use of closed circuit television cameras on streets.
Dublin South East candidate Cllr Chris Andrews said Fianna Fáil recognised the importance of Ireland's low corporation and income tax regime in the development of the economy. "Fianna Fáil does not agree with the harmonisation of taxation. There appear to be some in Fine Gael who do want harmonisation," he said.
Former Carlow-Kilkenny TD Senator M.J. Nolan accused the Opposition of producing "Houdini-like policies", which would "increase spending, but not taxes. "We can't go back to the wild days of the 1980s when we borrowed until no country or institution would let us borrow any more," said Mr Nolan, who has focused his campaign entirely within Co Carlow.
