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08/07/2005
Blunkett calls off visit as republicans protest
Former home secretary David Blunkett has been forced to cancel a visit to west Belfast on Friday following protests by republicans.
Mr Blunkett was in the city along with other EU employment ministers to visit Springvale Training Centre on the Springfield Road.
However, jostling between police and republicans protesting about the re-arrest of Shankill bomber Sean Kelly resulted in the cancellation, although other ministers were already inside when the skirmish occurred.
Senior Ulster Unionist Assembly member Michael McGimpsey accused the protesters of biting the hand that fed them.
"I find it astonishing that they staged a protest in support of a man who was responsible for the murder of 10 people in the Shankill bomb a day after the carnage in London,” the UUP MLA said.
"It is an example of republicans shooting themselves in the foot, if you pardon the pun.
"When you consider that this protest was staged in an area where Sinn Fein representatives are always calling for continued investment from Europe because of deprivation, it is more than just stupidity."
Sean Kelly received nine life sentences but was freed early from prison in July 2000 under the Good Friday Agreement.
He was returned to jail last month after security information indicated he had become "re-involved in terrorism".
(MB/KMcA)
Mr Blunkett was in the city along with other EU employment ministers to visit Springvale Training Centre on the Springfield Road.
However, jostling between police and republicans protesting about the re-arrest of Shankill bomber Sean Kelly resulted in the cancellation, although other ministers were already inside when the skirmish occurred.
Senior Ulster Unionist Assembly member Michael McGimpsey accused the protesters of biting the hand that fed them.
"I find it astonishing that they staged a protest in support of a man who was responsible for the murder of 10 people in the Shankill bomb a day after the carnage in London,” the UUP MLA said.
"It is an example of republicans shooting themselves in the foot, if you pardon the pun.
"When you consider that this protest was staged in an area where Sinn Fein representatives are always calling for continued investment from Europe because of deprivation, it is more than just stupidity."
Sean Kelly received nine life sentences but was freed early from prison in July 2000 under the Good Friday Agreement.
He was returned to jail last month after security information indicated he had become "re-involved in terrorism".
(MB/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
