Shannon Calls On PM Cameron To Step Up Response To Dissident Republicans

Strangford MP Jim Shannon called upon the Prime Minister David Cameron to ensure that there is a strong response to dissident terrorists who issued threats in Londonderry over the Easter Period. Mr Shannon made the call during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons.

Speaking from Westminster Mr Shannon said, “Over Easter dissident republicans threw down the gauntlet to the law-abiding community in Northern Ireland. In Londonderry the murderous thugs that are dissident republicans threatened PSNI officers, they threatened churches and they threatened elected representatives right across the political spectrum.

“It is vital that this attack on the democratic process is forcefully met and the entire community send out a message that we will not allow Northern Ireland to be dragged back. I am glad that the Prime Minister was able to send out a strong message that scenes of people dressed in balaclavas is simply not acceptable in this or any other part of the United Kingdom.

“The negotiations which involved the First Minister, Finance Minister and Justice Minister ensured that extra money was secured from HM Treasury and I recognise that the Government at Westminster has helped to provide those extra policing resources to tackle the terrorist threat which exists in Northern Ireland. I stand foresquare with the comments of the Prime Minister in hoping that the PSNI will “hunt down” these people.

“I know that the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland do not want to be dragged back to the dark days of the past which are represented by these shadowy individuals. It is important that we do stand together against those who would take us back and that we all keep focused on ensuring that Northern Ireland moves forward into a more peaceful and prosperous future.”