Real fear that rapist will return, says Gerry
RTE QUASHES RUMOURS OF LATE LATE APPEARANCE
THERE IS STILL A very real sense of fear in Wicklow about the possible return of Larry Murphy according to local activist Gerry O'Neill.
Gerry said that while Larry is still believed to be living in near isolation in Dublin the fears of the people of Baltinglass, Blessington and the surrounding areas are still very much to the fore of the community.
' There is still a huge sense of fear about Larry Murphy in the area. We heard he is living in Dublin but people are still very worried about him.'
Gerry said a community alert system which is up and running in Kilbride could help allay people's fear. 'We have a community alert system going in Kilbride where we send out a group text if any suspicious behaviour is noticed in an area. It has worked in Kilbride in terms of crime so it might be an option.
'People's fears have not gone away and in reality the legislation needs to be changed to prevent someone like Larry Murphy getting an early release.'
Although reported to be living in a self-imposed isolation because of fears for his safety, Larry Murphy was still making headlines recently when Ryan Tubridy indicated he may be a possible contender to be a guest on the Late Late Show.
However, his comments sparked outrage among the public and indeed the head honchos in RTE.
A spokesperson for the Rape Crisis Centre said it would be inappropriate to have Murphy on the Late Late and urged RTE to be 'mindful' of victims.
Rape Crisis Centre CEO Ellen O'Malley-Dunlop said that victims of sexual assault need to be considered first and foremost.
' This particular case is much too sensitive at the moment. I suppose the Late Late Show has always been a show that has helped inform society. A serial paedophile was interviewed on the show before.
'But I think those kinds of interviews must be considered very carefully. We have to be mindful of the victims. I do think we need to be terribly respectful around the area of interviewing rapists or paedophiles. We absolutely have to keep our minds and focused on the victims.'
However, RTE bosses quickly moved to quash speculation that Murphy would be appearing on the show saying ' there is no intention of Larry Murphy ever appearing on the Late Late Show. He has never been approached by RTE and he will not be asked onto the Late Late Show'.
