Paul: Darkness over nation

In his Divali greeting to the Hindu community, Paul said that "Divali with its powerful message of light over darkness, the power of good over the forces of evil, and truth prevailing over lies, half-truths and intrigue is a very important one, not only for Hindus, but for our whole country.

"There is too much darkness in our land at the moment. The darkness of crime hangs over our twin-island Republic and is causing justifiable trauma, anxiety, worry, fear and panic among our people. Hundreds of families have been traumatised by crime and the scars they bear — physical and psychological — have changed their lives drastically for the worse.

"The IRO recognises that the message of Divali can help to provide the guidance, light, illumination, insight, courage and faith to all our people, including our leaders, as they seek together to lead our beloved country away from the tightening, dark embrace of crime and violence to the light of peace, unity, wholeness and strength."