Fine Gael has condemned the Government over the High Court's decision to move a murder trial from Limerick to Dublin due to difficulties over assembling a jury.
Fine Gael's spokesperson for justice, Mr John Deasy, said it was a "defining moment" for the Government when it is not possible to assemble a jury in a murder trial.
Deputy Deasy made his comments following the President of the High Court's decision to move the Keane murder trial from Limerick to Dublin.
The trial was due to resume today with the final empanelling, following a day's reflection on the situation by the presiding judge, Mr Justice Butler.
An unprecedented number of those who attended for jury service sought to be excused.
"The Government has failed in its basic task: to provide protection for citizens. Events surrounding the failed attempt to assemble a jury in Limerick represent Minister McDowell's failure to deal with the growth of organisedcriminal gangs.
Deputy Deasy accused the Government has not lived up to its promise of providing more gardaí to aid the National Drug Strategy and that gardaí in Limerick were underresourced.