Sir, - The response to the Fianna Fail policy document "Leading the Fight Against Crime" has been positive compared to the negative attitude now pursued by the present administration. The Garda Commissioner's comments have not been at all helpful; his unrealistic and unwarranted dismissal on the central issue of the crime rate has caused a wide public debate on this policy document, and the overall strategy on crime.
While believing in the efficiency of planning a policy in the context of a democracy such as ours, this document does not set out to be the panacea of all our ills to the crime situation. It attempts to establish a contract. The structure can only be as good as the ideas and policies put into the consultative process. It must not be forgotten, either, that the great condition on which the success of such a policy in a democracy depends is the willing assent of the electorate.
Finally, I believe this policy of "zero tolerance" has the concern and the capacity to meet the challenge which we now face. It is a challenge that will call for a lot of sacrifice. We as a nation must organise our human and law abiding resources in the most effective manner possible; we cannot afford to fail. - Yours, etc.,
Willington Green, Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.