High time we decriminalise all drug users

TD claims politicians & gardai breaking law | 'Marginalised poor are only ones caught'

- LOUISE BURNE

LABOUR'S justice spokesman Aodhan O Riordain has claimed "politicians and gardai take drugs", but only people from poor areas get punished for doing so.

He made the comments as it was announced Chief Whip Hildegarde Naughton brought plans to Cabinet yesterday to establish a new Citizen's Assembly on drug use.

Mr O Riordain welcomed the move and said it is in line with the party's policy of decriminalising drug users.

Speaking in Leinster House, the TD said: "People in the media take drugs, people in politics take drugs, guards take drugs, nurses take drugs.

"Lots of people in different professions take drugs and we're not honest about it.