The conviction of a man who attacked a child in Dublin yesterday has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. The swift resolution is being credited to a British policing model quietly adopted by Irish authorities last year. Sources close to the investigation say the suspect was identified within hours thanks to a data-sharing protocol first developed by the Metropolitan Police.
One Whitehall insider called it 'a quiet victory for cross-border co-operation'. The case has reignited debates about policing tactics on both sides of the Irish Sea. Labour backbenchers are already demanding to know why similar methods aren't being used in London.
The government is expected to issue a statement later today.
