INDEPENDENT councillor Ken O'Flynn has said he will take a hardline approach when it comes to tackling the issue of crime in Cork North-Central if elected, saying he intends to fight "fire with fire". 

Mr O'Flynn has stated that he intends to use his Dáil privilege to name criminals who feel "untouchable" in a bid to ameliorate the issue of crime and violence in his constituency.

"It's about time the gloves came off.

"I am prepared to meet fire with fire when it comes to crime in Cork North-Central," he said.

Mr O'Flynn said he will stand up for the people of Cork's northside and if elected he will be "solely answerable" to the people who elected him.

"No one is pulling the strings when it comes to me and I am prepared to take a stand against individuals who feel untouchable and who are going around terrorising people."

Mr O'Flynn noted that "law and order is the biggest issue on the doorsteps" and he is adamant to see the level of criminal activity decrease. 

"People have told me they are afraid to answer their own front door.

"The Gardaí are trying their best, but Cork is massively under-resourced."

"That needs to change and Cork needs to be properly resourced if we are to see change," he said.