Shatter condems gang related killings

The Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said those behind two murders in Laois and Dublin yesterday have "absolutely no respect for human life".

Mr Shatter has branded the killings "barbaric" and the perpetrators "evil".

In a statement, the minister said Gardaí are absolutely determined to do everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.

He said: "I know from discussions with the Garda Commissioner that the Gardaí will continue to target the activities of those involved in gangland crime, as they have been doing in operations in recent weeks. "

Minister Shatter said he and the Government will continue to resolutely support the Gardaí in every way they can in counteracting what he calls this "evil menace in our society".

This has the gangland warlords shivering with fear. Drug related crimes have to date are posing a more serious treat to the security of this state than all the years of the troubles, they are more heavily armed than the IRA and are more willing to use their gun power at a whim. People been shot in broad daylight on our streets. The Gardai are doing as much as they can with the resources they have. Just like health and education we see another Minister come out with these statments and it is idle follie. More and more squad cars being taken of the road and not been replaced. Words will not end these killings.