The Minister for Justice’s comments today that he would feel safe walking around Dublin at any time of the day or night show how far removed he is from the reality of life in our capital city, according to Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon.
Deputy Gannon, who represents Dublin Central and is the party’s justice spokesperson, said:
“The views expressed today by Minister Jim O’Callaghan – just days after a serious assault on an English tourist in Temple Bar – were completely tone-deaf.
“The minister may well feel safe walking around – not only is he 6’5″ in height, but he also comes from one of the wealthiest constituencies in the country. This appears to be a case of him talking about two separate Dublins.
“His is not the lived experience of everyone – certainly not members of the LGBT+ community who have been subjected to homophobic violence; the ethnic minorities who live in fear of racist attacks; nor the residents of inner city Dublin who have to cope with open drug dealing and anti-social behaviour on a daily basis.
“Despite the welcome addition of more probationary gardaí in Dublin’s commercial district during the daytime, many people still don’t feel safe in the city centre at night. This is an issue we have been raising for years.
“We don’t need glib comments that sugarcoat crime levels in Dublin. What we need is a Minister for Justice who will produce a coherent policing plan and face up to the reality that our city centre remains unsafe.”
August 22, 2025