Other News In Brief

Labour Challenges Cowen And Kenny To TV Debate

Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore has challenged Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to a televised public debate ahead of next month's elections. The Labour leader insisted unprecedented voter interest in the European, by-election and local polls because of the economic crisis demanded a face-to-face showdown on the issues.

Clamp Down On Handguns And Weapons

The Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern is taking steps to effectively ban handguns. A new bill will mean that no new licenses will be issued for handguns, with very limited exceptions in relation to Olympic sports. Meanwhile, tougher penalties are being introduced for people found in possession of knives. The penalty for possessing a knife in a public place is being increased from one to five years. Gardaí are also being given an extended power of search without warrant in relation to knives and offensive weapons. Samurai swords are also to be outlawed.

Teen In Court Over Shotgun Charges

A 15-year-old Dublin boy arrested for possessing a sawn-off shotgun has appeared in court today. The boy, who cannot be named because he is a minor, was charged at the Children’s Court with two offences under the Firearms Act for possessing a single barrel sawn-off shotgun, and one round of ammunition, on April 18 last, at Deansrath Road, in Clondalkin, in Dublin. Garda Ciaran O’Neill told Judge Leonard that the boy was arrested on the date of the alleged offence and brought to Clondalkin station where he was charged in the presence of his mother. The teen made no reply to the charge, Judge Leonard heard.

(DW/BMcC)