Antrim Guardian - News - ‘We want no more murders, no more shootings, no more bombs’

News

‘We want no more murders, no more shootings, no more bombs’

Thursday, 14 January 2010

Borough unites in condemnation following attempted murder of PSNI officer near Randalstown

By Robert Macintosh
POLITICIANS and clergymen from across the political and religious divide have united in their condemnation of the Real IRA attack which left a Randalstown policeman seriously injured when a bomb exploded underneath his car on Friday morning.
The blast occurred shortly after 6.30am on the quiet, rural Milltown Road, leaving the 33-year-old Catholic officer requiring surgery.
SDLP MLA for the area, Thomas Burns, drew parallels with the shootings at Massereene Barracks in March.
“At the time of last year's attacks all the people of the north made their views absolutely clear. Across all parties and shades of opinion, they condemned them utterly and called on the armed dissident groups to stop their murderous activities. We want no more murders, no more shootings, no more bombs," he said.
“People in Randalstown and everywhere else want policing and want officers to be able to live openly in all communities. We are simply not going to allow a handful of criminally-minded people to set back all we have achieved."
Sinn Fein's South Antrim MLA, Mitchel McLaughlin extended his hope for a 'full and speedy recovery' to the officer.
“I unambigously condemn those responsible for placing this device on the officer's car and call on them to desist from this activity," he said.
“The groups who are carrying out these attacks are acting contrary to the wishes of the Irish people who want to see the continued development of a peaceful and democratic political process that allows everyone to work towards our political objectives."
Security minister, Paul Goggins, said the 'vile' attack would 'sicken people across Northern Ireland'.
“I applaud the work the PSNI are doing to make our towns and cities safer. That work is in stark contrast to those who tried to murder this officer," he said.
“Those who planted this device are to be condemned and anyone with information should bring it to the PSNI so that those responsible can be brought before the courts."
The chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Barry Gilligan, said it was an 'attempt to murder'. "Those behind this attack cannot be allowed to succeed in bringing any further terror to our community," he said.
William McCrea, South Antrim MP, called it a 'disgusting murder attempt' and branded those responsible as 'evil terrorists with no support in the wider community'.
“The people of South Antrim are shocked that these terrorists have tried once again to bring bloody murder to the streets of our area," he said.
“The sympathy, thoughts and prayers of everyone in the area go out to this young police officer and we hope that he recovers from his injuries.
“The police continue to have the full support of everyone in the wider community as they go about their duties."
Ulster Unionist South Antrim MLA, Danny Kinahan, expressed his 'horror' at the attack, saying that Northern Ireland had 'moved on' from this kind of hatred.
“Unfortunately we are here again - standing at the scene of a murder attempt on a member of the PSNI. A man has been seriously injured and the community traumatised by the proximity of this attack.
“It is disgusting that, once again, we are witness to an attack on an off-duty officer. Each and every time an incident of this nature occurs, we are taken back to the dark days of the past. However, while those who carried out this despicable act are intent on undermining the stability ofNorthern Ireland, majority will clearly indicates that it is they, and not the police, who are unwanted within this society.
“This community rejects these terrorists, their sick acts and beliefs," he said.
First Minister, Peter Robinson, and deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, both released statements.
Peter Robinson said: "This is a cowardly evil act against a man committed to defending the free society we all enjoy. I have said in the past that those who perpetrate such attacks will not succeed in returning Northern Ireland to the dark days of the past.
“I remain steadfastly committed to upholding that promise. There is only one path forward, that of peace and democracy."
Mr McGuinness said: "The man injured today in this attack contributes positively to the community. He is an active member of the GAA and an Irish speaker. He serves the community as a member of the PSNI.
“The people who carried out this attack make no contribution. These actions serve no purpose and will not further any cause. My thoughts are with the injured man and his family. I pray he makes a full recovery."
Local TUV councilor Mel Lucas said there was local concern that 'violent republicans' were active in the area.
“This attack took place not far from Massereene Barracks where two soldiers were murdered by the IRA back in March," he said.
“Once again the community has been plunged into shock. Understandably there is a concern locally that violent Republicans are so active in the area.
“I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward to the security forces. It is imperative that those behind the attacks are brought to justice and that tough action is taken to address the Republican menace.
“Given the very public opposition of Sinn Fein to the use of the Army to combat terrorism I detect no appetite for policing and justice being devolved to an executive where they hold power of veto."
Antrim Councillor, Drew Ritchie, expressed concern that there may be people in the local community who were giving information to those responsible for the attack.
“I'm obviously disgusted and shocked at the attack, but not totally surprised because of the attack we have had up at Massereene," said the UUP man.
“There are people living in the community that are giving information to help these attacks and I hope that the police can get to the bottom of these cells.
“I hope the officer makes a full and swift recovery from his injuries and would ask that anyone with any information go to the police."
Randalstown Councillor, Alderman Bobby Loughran, said he 'totally condemned' the attack and said that the people responsible did not represent his constituents.
“This young man was on his way to work - just imagine if he had been on a day off and he had his wife or other family in the car with him," he said.
“Irrespective of religion, I totally condemn this attack."
The Bishop of Connor, Alan Abernethy, said he was distressed to hear of the attack, which, he said, must be condemned 'not only for the assault on the person himself but also on the wider community'.
“I wish to echo the words of Bishops Anthony Farquhar and Donal McKeown of the Catholic Diocese of Down and Connor in stating that this attack is completely contrary to the widespread desire for peace and stability in our society," he said.
“I assure the officer, his wife and family of our support and prayers at this time."
Describing those responsible as 'a group of people who are politically bankrupt and wedded to sectarian hatred', Antrim DUP councillor, Pam Lewis, said: "This latest outrage is further evidence of the murderous intent of those who wish to drag Northern Ireland into darkness of our bloody past. Such people have absolutely nothing to offer Northern Ireland or its people.
“This very courageous police officer has dedicated his life to serving and protecting the community. Those who carried out this attack are only a group of people who are politically bankrupt and wedded to sectarian hatred.
“The overwhelming majority of people will be united in their disgust at this terrorist attack. I would urge people to now stand together to show their opposition to all who would wish to unravel every positive step Northern Ireland has taken in recent years and would wish to divide people and overturn every positive gain of recent times.
“It is important at such times that as a community we send out a very clear and unambiguous message that we will not allow anyone to usher Northern Ireland back into the nightmare we have been seeking to leave behind us."