Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
07 November 2022
Greens Accuse Secretary Of State Of 'Moving The Goalposts'
The Green Party has called on the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, to provide clarity on the ongoing situation regarding an assembly election. Green Party deputy leader Lesley Veronica, said: "(The) statement from the Secretary of State provides no clarity on the current situation, the goalposts have simply been moved.
Greens Accuse Secretary Of State Of 'Moving The Goalposts'
The Green Party has called on the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, to provide clarity on the ongoing situation regarding an assembly election. Green Party deputy leader Lesley Veronica, said: "(The) statement from the Secretary of State provides no clarity on the current situation, the goalposts have simply been moved.
01 August 2019
Secretary Of State Addresses Queen's Portrait Row
Secretary of State Julian Smith has dismissed claims that all pictures of the Queen have been removed from the Northern Ireland Office in Belfast.
Secretary Of State Addresses Queen's Portrait Row
Secretary of State Julian Smith has dismissed claims that all pictures of the Queen have been removed from the Northern Ireland Office in Belfast.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
01 March 2010
Pensions Review Reduces Qualifying Period
Pension reforms just announced are to make the overall system fairer.
Pensions Review Reduces Qualifying Period
Pension reforms just announced are to make the overall system fairer.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
