A member of the Irish Road Victims Association has said criticising Gardaí for being 'over the top' enforcing drink-driving laws is putting lives at risk.

It comes after Minister Finian McGrath withdrew comments he made in an interview, where he accused Gardaí of political policing.

He had called on Garda Commissioner Drew Harris take action to "de-politicise" the force.

He also said the focus of testing should be between 12.00am and 2.00am at pub closing time.

Leo Leigho's 16-year-old daughter, Marissa, was killed in a hit and run incident.

He told Newstalk Breakfast the comments send out mixed messages.

"To criticise the Gardaí for enforcing a law that's there to protect people's lives, to protect their children, to protect the lives of the innocent is just absolutely ridiculous.

"And for ministers to say such things, it's putting people's lives at risk.

Minister Finian McGrath is pictured at Government Buildings in 2016 | Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

"It sounds like they're condoning people drinking and driving, that the law is unfair - and that's sending out mixed messages to people".

"I just find it unbelievable that a Government minister can come out with such absolutely ridiculous statements like that.

"From 12 o'clock to 2am - is there no such things as nightclubs anymore, no?

"Do they not stay up until 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning, and driving over the limit the following morning is putting their own lives and other people's lives at risk".

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has said Minister McGrath's comments on drink driving checkpoints were an "unwarranted charge of political policing."

The GRA has welcomed the withdrawal of his remarks and said members only carry out drink-driving testing in accordance with the Road Traffic Act.