Councillors clash over weapons amnesty

TWO Northside councillors have clashed in an angry war of words sparked by a controversial proposal for a weapons amnesty.

Cllr Stephen Wrenn (Lab) and Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) have been at loggerheads since Cllr Wrenn recently called for members of the public to be allowed dispose of weapons and firearms they may have in their possession.

Cllr McAuliffe, chairperson of the North West Area Joint Policing Committee, slammed the plan as

“reckless

? and

“unworkable

? stating that it was

“light on detail and appears to involve youth workers and social workers leading an amnesty involving pipebombs and automatic weapons

?.

“As someone who has been involved in youth work for many years, I would be really concerned for the safety of youth workers and for other young people using local youth services,

? Cllr McAuliffe stated.

“I would fear that the amnesty could be targeted by criminal gangs to dump firearms involved in serious crimes and I would call on Cllr Wrenn not to proceed.

“I am also disappointed that the proposal was not submitted at any of the Joint Policing Committed meetings.

“The Joint Policing Committee includes the Gardai, the City Council and local drugs taskforces.

“When it comes to tackling crime all agencies need to work together rather than coming up with knee jerk solo-runs.

?

Cllr Wrenn retaliated by calling for Cllr McAuliffe to step-down from his role on the Joint Policing Committee claiming

“he has done absolutely nothing to prevent anti-social behaviour in his constituency

?.

“Since Cllr Mc Auliffe has become chair, anti social behaviour has increased in the area and he has never developed or encouraged any new initiatives in relation to policing.

?

Speaking to Northside People, Cllr McAuliffe said he found it difficult to take Cllr Wrenn’s demand seriously for a number of reasons including the fact that Cllr Wrenn’s attendance at the Joint Policing meetings is

“so poor

?.

“I was recently unanimously re-elected as Chair of the committee but Cllr Wrenn wasn’t at that meeting so he wouldn’t know,

? Cllr McAuliffe quipped.

“It’s a very serious demand and allegation he’s made in relation to my performance and to be honest I don’t understand why he’d rather make things personal than try to concentrate on his own work.

“I stand-by my view that the idea for the weapons amnesty is completely left-field and irresponsible.

“Everyone should be working together to clean up the streets, especially when it comes to matter of gun amnesties.

?

Cllr Wrenn retorted explaining that he has a full-time job working with a child protection social team, which is why he is sometimes unable to make the Joint Policing meetings.

“I get fully briefed on what happens from Minister Roisin Shortall (Lab) and Deputy John Lyons (Lab) who attend the meetings,

? he stated.

“Also, in terms of my idea for the weapons amnesty I don’t feel like I should have to get permission from Cllr McAuliffe for any plan or suggestion I have.

“I think he’s just sorry he didn’t come up with the idea himself.

?