Sir, - Because of the recent spate of sensational "scoops" and "exclusives" alleging republican involvement in action against drug dealers, I wish to clarify our real position.
Dublin Sinn Fein is involved in action at many levels against the scourge of drug abuse which is decimating our communities, particularly in already deprived areas. Our members have assisted in setting up counselling and detox services (but we want the EHB to give local communities a real say in these services); we have called for Garda resources to be diverted from harassing street traders in Henry Street or buskers in Grafton Street or Sinn Fein members all over Dublin, to targeting known drug pushers and known drug dealing locations; we are active in opposition to Government policies which may have produced a "boom" for the well off, but have increased poverty and alienation, which are the main causes of young people resorting to drug abuse; and we have supported peaceful community action (such as the establishment of "drug free zones" in Fettercairn) when it is directed against the pushers, not the addicts, who are themselves, as well as those who are robbed and mugged, the victims of the greedy drug dealers and who need help to kick their habit.
Dublin Sinn Fein is not involved in, and does not support, any vigilante action against drug pushers. However, the community pressure for such action is not surprising given the Government's failure to seriously tackle the growing drug problem. This failure is evidenced by the sight of several high profile drug barons openly flaunting their wealth around Dublin and claiming benefits while Social Welfare officials are hounding poor people who may be doing a few nixers to keep their families fed. The Revenue Commissioners have not had a single prosecution against any drug baron while the Garda seem to be putting more time into sitting for hours outside Sinn Fein meetings, searching young Sinn Fein members under the pretext of looking for drugs(!) and spreading salacious stories about Sinn Fein to gullible or lazy journalists. Worst of all, the demand for drugs is being increased by the increasing poverty gap caused by the Government's right wing economic policies. Sinn Fein makes no apology for opposing such policies - and their results. Yours, etc.,
PRO, Dublin Sinn Fein,
Willow Park Road,
Dublin 11.