Mayo Minister hits out at Independent Ireland party

Independent Ireland representatives across Mayo must clarify if they back their party leaders in voting against the retention of the Special Criminal Court (SCC), that's according to Fine Gael Minister Alan Dillon.

Minister Dillon continued, “Last week, Independent Ireland TDs Michael Collins, Richard O’Donoghue and Michael Fitzmaurice all voted against crucial legislation to keep allowing Gardaí bring the country’s most feared criminals before the SCC.

“People across Mayo need to know if the party as a whole are taking an anti-law and order stance.

“The SCC exists to protect us all from the persistent threat of organised crime gangs and terrorist groups.

“An Garda Síochána is working intensively to bear down on the criminals involved, and deserves our support in bringing these criminals to justice.

“The three Independent Ireland TDs have sided against the public and the Gardaí by voting against the retention of the SCC to deal with the country’s most serious criminals, and we need to know if their councillors agree with this.

“It is clear from their actions last week, Independent Ireland stands against the SCC, the judiciary, law and order, and the Gardaí.

“Minister McEntee and Fine Gael are ensuring the Gardaí have the tools, the technology, the equipment, and the support they need to deal with criminal gangs.

“Unlike Independent Ireland, Fine Gael will always back the Gardaí and the courts”, concluded Minister Dillon.