Leo Varadkar has promised he will take the fight to the criminal underworld in his keynote Ard Fheis speech.
The Fine Gael leader talked tough on crime at the party’s annual conference that saw more than 2,000 people gather in TUS (Technological University Shannon) Athlone.
Speaking directly to the criminal gangs that are wreaking havoc on our streets, the Tánaiste said: “we will take the fight to you head on.”
Read More: Another cost of living package for Irish households being considered as Taoiseach pinpoints date
Mr Varadkar is set to become Taoiseach again next month and in his speech to the party faithful tonight he prioritised fighting crime.
He pointed to some of the justice reforms that have included hiring an extra 1,000 gardaí, prison terms for some crimes doubling and introducing more discretion for judges to increase jail time.
Mr Varadkar said: “Delegates… tonight, I also want to speak to you about law and order.
“We live in a country where far too many people do not feel safe in their own homes or on the streets.
“We are responding to this with more Gardaí and more measures to curb antisocial behaviour.
In the Budget we provided funding for 1,000 new Garda recruits.
“And we are determined to change the law to ensure criminals are apprehended and punished.
“So, we will double the maximum sentence for assault causing harm from five years to ten, we'll increase the maximum sentence for conspiracy to murder from 10 years to life to take on those who direct gangland violence, we'll allow judges impose minimum tariffs for life sentences for the most serious crimes and we'll continue to fight back against gender based and sexual violence of all forms.
“Tonight, we are sending a message to the criminal underworld.
“We will do whatever is necessary to protect our homes and our communities... and we will take the fight to you head on.”
READ NEXT:
- Car stolen with girl inside involved in horror Kilkenny crash as gardai say one dead, four injured
- I'm A Celebrity 'fix row' as eagle-eyed viewers spot clue in Ant and Dec 'rigged' trial
- Louis Walsh shares why he is not a fan of former band member Ronan Keating as he dismisses Bond chances
- Irish woman shares genius €10 hack to add second layer of insulation to windows
- Man 'pleasures himself' on Dublin Bus while staring at terrified young woman
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
