Minister: ‘Dublin city centre perfectly safe – just not at night or during the day’

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she still believes Dublin city centre is “perfectly safe” for tourists and everyone else.

The Fine Gael deputy made the comments during a visit to O’Connell Street where she was accompanied by six body guards and a heavily armed SWAT team.

“Look at me walking around and not a bother on me.” she told reporters. “Would I do this if it wasn’t safe? I wish the media would stop going on about knife attacks and riots. Always focusing on the negatives. Why not write about happy things like fluffy bunny rabbits and pretty flowers?”

One reporter asked the Minister why she appeared to be wearing a bullet proof vest.

“Oh I just threw on the first thing I could find this morning. That’s purely a coincidence. I just like the colours to be honest. It goes with my helmet. This is bullet proof too, isn’t it?”

There have been calls for a greater Garda presence in the capital following a number of high-profile attacks on tourists, as well as the sickening stabbing incident outside a school last week and the ensuing riots. The Minister was asked what she intends to do about it.

“Oh please. We’ve all been here for well over five minutes now and there’s no sign of any trouble. Dublin city centre is perfectly safe. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go and order another water cannon.