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25/06/2001
SECRETARY OF STATE TAKES TOUGH STANCE
SECRETARY of State, Dr John Reid, has suspended the licence of prominent Shankill loyalist Gary Smith.
Mr Smith, released in September 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement early release scheme, was arrested on Monday, was taken to Maghaberry Prison were fellow loyalist prisoner Johnny Adair is currently being held.
In taking the decision, the Secretary of State said he had received a full report from the Chief Constable of the RUC and on the basis of that information was satisfied that Mr Smith had breached the terms of his license.
In his statement Dr Reid added: “First of all I want to pay tribute to the police for their professionalism and courage in this operation – the same courage they displayed during the appalling scenes last week in North Belfast, where they were subjected to vicious and premeditated attacks.
“I also want to send a general message today to those who are intent on violence. No one is above the law. No one is untouchable. No one will be allowed to stir up sectarian hatred, to attack their neighbours or police officers.
“The people of Northern Ireland will not stand for it and neither will I. Northern Ireland is moving on: those individuals who cannot move with it and leave their criminality behind will be dealt with by the full force of the law.” (MB)
Mr Smith, released in September 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement early release scheme, was arrested on Monday, was taken to Maghaberry Prison were fellow loyalist prisoner Johnny Adair is currently being held.
In taking the decision, the Secretary of State said he had received a full report from the Chief Constable of the RUC and on the basis of that information was satisfied that Mr Smith had breached the terms of his license.
In his statement Dr Reid added: “First of all I want to pay tribute to the police for their professionalism and courage in this operation – the same courage they displayed during the appalling scenes last week in North Belfast, where they were subjected to vicious and premeditated attacks.
“I also want to send a general message today to those who are intent on violence. No one is above the law. No one is untouchable. No one will be allowed to stir up sectarian hatred, to attack their neighbours or police officers.
“The people of Northern Ireland will not stand for it and neither will I. Northern Ireland is moving on: those individuals who cannot move with it and leave their criminality behind will be dealt with by the full force of the law.” (MB)
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