30/07/2001
Trimble calls on Loyalists to end violence
In the wake of continuing violence throughout Northern Ireland, the Ulster Unionist Party Leader David Trimble has called on loyalists to end their violence.
Over the weekend there were several pipe bomb attacks carried out and on Sunday July 29 Gavin Brett, aged 18, was shot dead in Glengormley, north Belfast. Loyalist group the Red Hand Defenders have claimed responsibility.
In a statement Mr Trimble said: “Over the past weeks I have consistently condemned violence carried out by both Loyalists and Republicans. It was, as the Chief Constable predicted, sadly inevitable that the attacks would lead to someone being killed.
“I am nonetheless shocked and appalled at the senseless and brutal murder of Gavin Brett last night. Anyone within the loyalist community who thinks this type of violence furthers the loyalist cause or strengthens the Union is deluded.
“Pipe-bombings, petrol-bombings and shootings by Loyalist paramilitaries are bringing untold misery to thousands of people across Northern Ireland and they are undermining Unionism.”
Mr Trimble continued: “There is unease within the broad Unionist community about the present political position but this cannot justify violence. Such violence in any event will only make matters worse.
“I call upon those with influence within Loyalism to use it to bring an end to this madness. Those who have influence within Republicanism must equally use it to bring an end to their violence.” (AMcE)
Over the weekend there were several pipe bomb attacks carried out and on Sunday July 29 Gavin Brett, aged 18, was shot dead in Glengormley, north Belfast. Loyalist group the Red Hand Defenders have claimed responsibility.
In a statement Mr Trimble said: “Over the past weeks I have consistently condemned violence carried out by both Loyalists and Republicans. It was, as the Chief Constable predicted, sadly inevitable that the attacks would lead to someone being killed.
“I am nonetheless shocked and appalled at the senseless and brutal murder of Gavin Brett last night. Anyone within the loyalist community who thinks this type of violence furthers the loyalist cause or strengthens the Union is deluded.
“Pipe-bombings, petrol-bombings and shootings by Loyalist paramilitaries are bringing untold misery to thousands of people across Northern Ireland and they are undermining Unionism.”
Mr Trimble continued: “There is unease within the broad Unionist community about the present political position but this cannot justify violence. Such violence in any event will only make matters worse.
“I call upon those with influence within Loyalism to use it to bring an end to this madness. Those who have influence within Republicanism must equally use it to bring an end to their violence.” (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
31 August 2005
PSNI failing to tackle loyalist violence claims Kelly
Sinn Féin spokesperson on policing Gerry Kelly has accused the PSNI of "abjectly" failing to tackle ongoing loyalist paramilitary activity. Mr Kelly's remarks follows numerous attacks on catholic homes and schools in recent weeks, especially in areas such as north Antrim and north Belfast.
PSNI failing to tackle loyalist violence claims Kelly
Sinn Féin spokesperson on policing Gerry Kelly has accused the PSNI of "abjectly" failing to tackle ongoing loyalist paramilitary activity. Mr Kelly's remarks follows numerous attacks on catholic homes and schools in recent weeks, especially in areas such as north Antrim and north Belfast.
28 July 2023
One In Five Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence
One in five people have experienced at least one type of gender-based violence, whether physical, sexual, psychological, economic or online, in the last five years. The figure was revealed in a report – the 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of adults in Northern Ireland in 2022' – published by The Executive Office.
One In Five Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence
One in five people have experienced at least one type of gender-based violence, whether physical, sexual, psychological, economic or online, in the last five years. The figure was revealed in a report – the 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of adults in Northern Ireland in 2022' – published by The Executive Office.
16 July 2013
Unionists 'Must Support Police' - Ford
Justice Minister David Ford has called on unionist MLAs to confirm their support for the police following four consecutive nights of rioting over 12 July parades. "All sides must condemn the recent violence without equivocation. Unionist leaders do not seem to be able to condemn the violence without adding in a 'but' at the end," he said.
Unionists 'Must Support Police' - Ford
Justice Minister David Ford has called on unionist MLAs to confirm their support for the police following four consecutive nights of rioting over 12 July parades. "All sides must condemn the recent violence without equivocation. Unionist leaders do not seem to be able to condemn the violence without adding in a 'but' at the end," he said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a mainly dry and bright morning cloud will increase as the wind strengthens from early afternoon with showers spreading east later. The strong afternoon wind will reach gale to severe gale force along the coasts. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Showers die back to western parts from the evening, leaving much of the night dry with clear spells. Showers spread east again towards morning. Gales ease somewhat, a windy night. Minimum temperature 0 °C.