Gerry 'the Monk' Hutch calls for more gardai on the streets to make them 'clean' again
Hutch is running for election as an independent candidate in Dublin Central,
Veteran crime boss Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch has called for more gardai to police the streets and make them “clean” again.
Hutch (61), who is running for election as an independent candidate in Dublin Central, made the announcement in a lengthy and high quality campaign video released on social media.
It also comes as Hutch was seen canvassing on the streets of Dublin on Monday and being filmed by a crew that included legendary Irish director Jim Sheridan.
READ MORE: Irish General Election 2024: Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch could be forced to give up Dail seat if elected
In Hutch’s election video, the man who was once a major target for Gardai himself, calls for more officers to police the streets of Dublin - and not just at Christmas.
“They’re talking about extra guards for Christmas. Christmas? Is Santy Claus arriving with something special for Christmas? What about the rest of the year?” Hutch says in the video. “If you’re going to put it there put it there full time until the streets are clean and safe again for the Irish people.”
Hutch, who sensationally walked free from the Special Criminal Court after being acquitted of the gangland murder of Kinahan cartel associate David Byrne last year, is seen in the video sitting in an armchair in front of shuttered windows.
His calls to make several changes from the halls of power comes after years of being out of the limelight himself - having had his own life under threat by the ruthless Kinahan cartel.
In the clip he tells his supporters that he’d like to address the issue of housing if he’s elected to the Dail - claiming he’d like to see houses built in Dublin Port.
“If elected to the Dail there’s issues I’d like to address. Housing, massive problem. If I got in as a TD, I would canvass the government to rezone sections of Dublin Port.
“We have acres upon acres down there of spare land that’s owned by the State, and we could very easily turn industrial land into commercial, residential and build a community in Dublin Port,” he says.
“Affordable houses for the people to buy and social housing. These communities need housing, schools, GPs, there’s too many people - it’s overpopulated. There’s not enough doctors in the area. If you ring a doctor down there you could be waiting five days to see one. You’re nearly better again you go and see the doctor. So it’s crazy, you know.”
Hutch also addresses the issue of homelessness in the campaign ad - labelling it a “national disgrace.”
“I would love to help the homeless. The Talbot Street, Gardiner Street, used as a dumping ground for the Dublin homeless population. Dublin needs the government to step up. There’s over 4,000 kids homeless in Ireland. We’re in an EU country. It’s a disgrace. A national disgrace when we have blocked up homes, blocked up houses,” he says. “Most of the major shops in our city centre have living accommodation over them which is empty.”
The Monk also tackles the issue of immigration. “Another thing that’s wrong in this county is the IPAS centres. Ramming one gang of people into a community without consultation with the community - it’s not on, it has to stop. You’ve got to go to the community, talk and let them have the final say,” he says.
“If they’re coming in with their toolbox and they want to work, I don’t have a problem. If there’s people coming in to sponge off the State and think they can get free accommodation when we can’t even accommodate our own, it’s not on. Everyone’s got to be vetted to come into this country but we need proper change.” Reaching into his pockets and taking out change
Hutch adds: “The politicians talk about change this, change this. I actually think that’s what they’re talking about, the change in your pocket. But we need proper change. Let me tell you, if you want change, vote Gerard number one - Hutch. I’ll give yous change to the best of my ability.” The video comes just days out from the general election, and clarifies some of Hutch’s policies for the first time since he made his incredible election bid announcement just weeks ago.
The infamous criminal figure returned to Dublin having just been released on bail in Lanzarote - where he remains under investigation as part of a major money laundering investigation. Spanish authorities have labelled Hutch as the leader of a major criminal organisation that it says is responsible for the money laundering - though he has denied any involvement.
His arrest is just the latest twist in years of trouble for Hutch - who aside from beating a murder charge has himself been a target in a horrific gangland war that has seen 18 men killed. His own brother Eddie, nephews Gareth, Gary and Derek Coakley Hutch have all been murdered as part of the feud - as have pals Noel Kirwan and Noel Duggan. Hutch himself avoided death when hitmen attempted to kill him at a bar in Lanzarote in 2015.
Prior to that he was known as a “retired” criminal - and had made headlines over the years for his ‘Carry Any Body’ limo hire business. Hutch was previously investigated for involvement in two major bank robberies - both of which he denied any involvement in. He also settled a major bill with the Criminal Assets Bureau.
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