NI a safer place thanks to Special Forces

Ulster Unionist Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott has offered his "sincere thanks" to the 'Special Forces' unit for the work they did in protecting the life of the young police officer in Garrison over the weekend.

"I have no doubt that their efforts have also been responsible for the saving of other lives and the prevention of bombs.

"Since March this year there have been 15 attempts to kill police officers. There have been over 750 bomb alerts in the past two years. The most recent IMC Report confirmed that dissident activity (with back-up and input from former and existing Provisionals) is at its highest level since the IMC was established. Estimates of dissident numbers and supporters range between 400 and 600.

"Put bluntly---there is a very serious security problem to be dealt with.

"And that's why I welcome the presence, build-up and expertise of our Specialist Forces.

"Given that background could I ask what the view of the SDLP and SF is on these matters. The SDLP is on record, re Special Forces deployment, that '..the British Government have got this badly wrong. It will take serious effort, honest answers, new oversight and a different approach to turn things around."

"Sinn Fein, according to Gerry Kelly, 'remains opposed to any such deployment of these forces and remains committed to ensuring that the PSNI is held to account for an effective, efficient and non-political policing service.'

"In my view Northern Ireland will be a safer place thanks to the deployment of the Special Services and it worries me that both the SDLP and SF don't seem to agree with that analysis.

"And since this has a knock-on effect on the debate concerning the devolution of policing and justice it highlights the importance of the DUP and SF agreeing to all-party talks before we proceed any further. A Justice Minister will have an input into the deployment and tactics of the Special Forces and many of us would be concerned that a puppet minister, jointly controlled by Sinn Fein would have his hands tied on matters like this."