Republican activity debated in the Assembly

The Ulster Unionist Party yesterday tabled a motion asking the Northern Ireland Assembly to note the increasing levels of Republican activity and violence throughout Northern Ireland, asking them to condemn such activity; while supporting the rule of law, the courts, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Speaking in the Assembly Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott noted with concern the disturbing reality surrounding the escalation of republican violence throughout Northern Ireland recently.

Mr Elliott said; "At a time when the people of Northern Ireland are still adjusting to being allowed to have normal lifestyles after forty years of paramilitary atrocities and criminal activity, the resurgence in Republican paramilitary attacks has once again heightened the levels of fear and anxiety in communities here. I believe it is vital that we speak out and provide the people with hope and reaffirm our resolve to carry on working in peace."

"My Party without reserve condemns loyalist paramilitarism as both criminal and immoral. The failure of loyalist paramilitaries to decommission their illegal weaponry remains a cause for concern our the entire community in Northern Ireland."

"My Party's motion today focuses on Republican terrorist activity precisely because the recent upsurge poses the gravest threat to both life and political stability in Northern Ireland. It is Republican terrorist organizations who are intent on murdering police officers - an action which has the potential to profoundly destabilize our society and political institutions."

"Thousands of people across Northern Ireland, in other parts of the United Kingdom and throughout Europe have suffered at the hands of the Provisional IRA, the INLA, the Continuity IRA and the Real IRA for over forty years. The connection between these organisations is well known, for they are all from the one stable and share the same evil intentions and destructive methods. Even now, when the people of Northern Ireland have the first real opportunity to move forward for over a generation, they seek to pull us back."

"My speaker, the escalation in Republican violence means that the frequency of attacks is steadily increasing. Sadly I do not believe I am alone when I say that I believe things are going to get worse before they get better. The nature of the Republican terrorist is not to show mercy but to butcher anyone who stands in their way, be they man, woman or child."

"I feel therefore that it is of the utmost importance that as this Assembly enters a new term we reaffirm our commitment to peace and democracy; That we publicly acknowledge our continued support for rule of law, the courts, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and that we condemn the escalation in Republican terrorist activity forcefully and with the determination to see it stamped out once and for all. Let there be no doubt about where this assembly stands regarding Republican paramilitaries and their vile attempts to murder and maim as we work to maintain civil and religious liberties for all."