Mary Lou McDonald confronts Joan Burton over closure of Garda stations

Speaking during Leader's Questions in the Dáil today, Sinn Féin deputy leader, Mary Lou McDonald TD, said the closure of 100 garda stations today is a serious blow to rural Ireland as well as to some urban communities. "The reality is that for many communities the local garda station provides the peace of mind that allows people to sleep that bit sounder in their beds. "The current government has however decided to continue with the implementation of Fianna Fáil's 2010 national recovery plan when it comes to garda cuts, the deal Fianna Fáil negotiated with the troika: the infamous four-year plan. "Fianna Fáil agreed with the troika to cut Garda numbers by ten per cent by 2014, but now they grandstand while this government implements the Fianna Fáil plan."