Menu
08/05/2003
UUP councillor criticises Army watchtower decision
The Newry and Armagh UUP councillor Danny Kennedy has strongly criticised the Government for proceeding with the dismantling of two Army watchtowers in south Armagh.
Mr Kennedy said the Government was wrong to go ahead with the dismantling since no clarity had been given from the republican movement given that they have yet to engage in any "real acts of completion".
He added: “This is a premature move and nothing more than a sop to Sinn Fein to keep them at the negotiating table. All of these issues were allegedly going to be brought forward as a result of the IRA statement but it has fallen short of the mark so why is the Government proceeding to remove security installations when there is still no clear and unambiguous declaration from the IRA that their war is over.
“The Government should not be acting in this manner but should be standing up to the Republican movement.”
Confirmation of the dismantling of Tievecrum and Cloghogue, close to the border with the Republic of Ireland, was contained in the document published by the British Government after Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the delay of the assembly elections last week.
The move is seen as part of the Government's normalisation programme which will see the scaling down of military bases and the number of soldiers stationed in the province.
It is hoped that in time just 14 military bases and 5,000 soldiers would remain in the province.
(MB)
Mr Kennedy said the Government was wrong to go ahead with the dismantling since no clarity had been given from the republican movement given that they have yet to engage in any "real acts of completion".
He added: “This is a premature move and nothing more than a sop to Sinn Fein to keep them at the negotiating table. All of these issues were allegedly going to be brought forward as a result of the IRA statement but it has fallen short of the mark so why is the Government proceeding to remove security installations when there is still no clear and unambiguous declaration from the IRA that their war is over.
“The Government should not be acting in this manner but should be standing up to the Republican movement.”
Confirmation of the dismantling of Tievecrum and Cloghogue, close to the border with the Republic of Ireland, was contained in the document published by the British Government after Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the delay of the assembly elections last week.
The move is seen as part of the Government's normalisation programme which will see the scaling down of military bases and the number of soldiers stationed in the province.
It is hoped that in time just 14 military bases and 5,000 soldiers would remain in the province.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 May 2003
Two Army watchtowers set to go in south Armagh
The publication of joint proposals between the British and Irish Governments have revealed that two Army watchtowers are to be dismantled in Co Armagh.
Two Army watchtowers set to go in south Armagh
The publication of joint proposals between the British and Irish Governments have revealed that two Army watchtowers are to be dismantled in Co Armagh.
05 July 2021
Sinn Féin Raise 'Deep Concerns' Over Ending Of Prosecutions Of British Soldiers
Sinn Féin Leader and Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has said that she has "deep concerns" over a British government decision to "end inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases and also prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts".
Sinn Féin Raise 'Deep Concerns' Over Ending Of Prosecutions Of British Soldiers
Sinn Féin Leader and Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has said that she has "deep concerns" over a British government decision to "end inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases and also prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts".
26 June 2014
OTR Review Publication Date Announced
The publication date of the review into the administrative scheme for dealing with suspected On The Runs has been set for 17 July. Controversy over the scheme started following the collapse of a case against John Downey, a suspect in the 1982 IRA murder of four soldiers in Hyde Park.
OTR Review Publication Date Announced
The publication date of the review into the administrative scheme for dealing with suspected On The Runs has been set for 17 July. Controversy over the scheme started following the collapse of a case against John Downey, a suspect in the 1982 IRA murder of four soldiers in Hyde Park.
02 June 2008
RIR Soldier Wounded In Suicide Bomb Attack
Just over two months after deployment, a soldier from the Royal Irish Regiment has been injured in an attempted suicide attack on a military convoy in southern Afghanistan.
RIR Soldier Wounded In Suicide Bomb Attack
Just over two months after deployment, a soldier from the Royal Irish Regiment has been injured in an attempted suicide attack on a military convoy in southern Afghanistan.
19 April 2024
PM's Failure To Apologise Over State Agents 'Indefensible' – SDLP
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's failure to apologise for the role successive governments played in running state agents involved in criminality including abduction, torture and murder has been described as "indefensible".
PM's Failure To Apologise Over State Agents 'Indefensible' – SDLP
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's failure to apologise for the role successive governments played in running state agents involved in criminality including abduction, torture and murder has been described as "indefensible".
-
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.
