No to Vigilantes

Head shops continue to fascinate the media. A good number of them are now sprinkled across the country, as well as having a strong presence in the capital. But opposition to these stores is not just passive. In Athlone, recently, pipe bombs were located outside a Head shop. This follows hot on the heels of suspected arson attacks on a couple of outlets in Dublin.

If arson is confirmed this would mean that vigilantism is creeping into view. The FD is no supporter of Head shops but any sort of vigilantism carries a horrible message: ‘we - the mob - rule’. The only people authorised to deal with the illegal drug trade should be the police, An Garda Siochana.

Certain sections of society will try and take matters into their own hands. This spells trouble and reminds one of the so-called ‘restorative justice’ in Northern Ireland where the police were bypassed. What is needed is real, accountable justice – not the law of the jungle.

Jon Venables, the co-murderer of toddler James Bulger (1993), has been sent back to jail. The story has been widely covered in the British media and has caused considerable anger among the public. If Venables was to be sent to an open prison, in the words of Helena Kennedy QC, he’d be “savaged”. Due process is the best way for justice to be administered and a justice system that operates fairly is of paramount importance.

In the UK a child surgeon, a couple of years ago, was attacked by a crowd that couldn’t define between a Paediatrician and a Paedophile. In recent days it was reported that a man, a complete innocent, was attacked because he supposedly looked like Jon Venables. The dangers of vigilantism cannot be stressed enough. It should have no place in a free, democratic nation.

Proper justice must be adhered to, no matter how heinous the crime. This is not giving the green light to criminals. Moreover it ought to impose punishment that is clearly thought out and appropriate. Vigilantism takes nothing into account and can only produce unnecessary thuggery. A just society is one that respects the law, the best way to tackle crime in all its horrible forms.



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Eugene Lambert RIP





Around 1980 we got a new, colour, television. It was a major family occasion and I used to day-dream my way through class, thinking of the new Toshiba. As I was aged roughly eight, children’s programmes were the beginning, middle and end for me. One of the programmes I loved to watch was Wanderly Wagon and I cherished every character. It was essentially based around puppets but the easy, pleasant atmosphere never bored me like it might today.

Eugene Lambert was a chief member of the cast and Frank Kelly (aka Fr Jack Hackett in the comedy series, ‘Fr Ted’) played the evil Dr Astro and his accomplice, Sneaky Snake. One of the great attractions for me was the constant Good v Bad see-saw that probably captivates children of all ages when watching television or reading books that contain adventure. Though not around for most of the Wanderly Wagon years (it started on RTE in 1968), I did however get to see a fair few episodes and it brought me, and those of my generation, much pleasure as a child.

Eugene also founded The Lambert Puppet Theatre in Monkstown and I can remember, as a child, being brought to see shows run by himself and his family. Many other children were taken there for treats or on school outings and I’ll never forget the simple, innocent fun associated with this type of entertainment.

I was especially saddened to hear of Eugene’s recent death. He was a jolly, cheerful man and I’m not ashamed to say I wept when I heard the news of his passing. Eugene, your skilled puppeteering will not be forgotten, only cherished by the many you brought happiness to over the years. May you rest in peace.