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03/07/2009
Kinahan Slams Police Over PPWs
A further voice has been added to growing criticism of the police over their handling of the issue and retention of personal protection weapons (PPWs).
Just days after it was revealed that the number of former police officers currently without personal protection weapons has dramatically increased, an Ulster Unionist MLA for South Antrim has slammed the PSNI on its policy.
Former Army officer, Danny Kinahan, pictured here with UU Leader, Sir Reg Empey after he took over David Burnside's seat at Stormont, has spoken out.
He broadly supported the opinion of NI Policing Board member and former RUC officer Jimmy Spratt who has described it as "an unacceptable situation".
Mr Spratt has already said that - following the dissident republican murders of Constable Stephen Carroll and two soldiers at Massereene - he was "very concerned that the PSNI seem hell bent on taking personal protection weapons away, leaving people feeling vulnerable".
Now, the Ulster Unionist has expressed his continued disappointment with the PSNI policy.
"It is clear that this issue is simply not going to go away, nor should it." he said.
Soon after figures were released to UTV under the Freedom of Information Act, which showed that while just 25 people had their license to carry a gun revoked in 2005, that figure rose to 151 in 2009, Mr Kinahan added his voice to the debate.
"I would ask the PSNI to recognise this and to take tangible action - action which will alleviate the genuine concerns of many in our community who helped to fight for peace in Northern Ireland.
"This PSNI policy on personal protection weapons does not exist in a peaceful climate but in the context of the Chief Constable telling us that the level of threat from dissident republican terrorism is the highest since he came here seven years ago," he said.
"It isn't just a threat but a threat which came to full and deadly fruition earlier this year at Massereene Barracks and in Craigavon with the murders of Sappers Quinsey and Azimkar and Constable Stephen Carroll," he continued.
He insisted today that he will be "actively seeking to resolve this matter on behalf of all those who have been denied a weapon to protect their person and who feel that they will be targeted by terrorists".
(BMcC/JM)
Just days after it was revealed that the number of former police officers currently without personal protection weapons has dramatically increased, an Ulster Unionist MLA for South Antrim has slammed the PSNI on its policy.
Former Army officer, Danny Kinahan, pictured here with UU Leader, Sir Reg Empey after he took over David Burnside's seat at Stormont, has spoken out.
He broadly supported the opinion of NI Policing Board member and former RUC officer Jimmy Spratt who has described it as "an unacceptable situation".
Mr Spratt has already said that - following the dissident republican murders of Constable Stephen Carroll and two soldiers at Massereene - he was "very concerned that the PSNI seem hell bent on taking personal protection weapons away, leaving people feeling vulnerable".
Now, the Ulster Unionist has expressed his continued disappointment with the PSNI policy.
"It is clear that this issue is simply not going to go away, nor should it." he said.
Soon after figures were released to UTV under the Freedom of Information Act, which showed that while just 25 people had their license to carry a gun revoked in 2005, that figure rose to 151 in 2009, Mr Kinahan added his voice to the debate.
"I would ask the PSNI to recognise this and to take tangible action - action which will alleviate the genuine concerns of many in our community who helped to fight for peace in Northern Ireland.
"This PSNI policy on personal protection weapons does not exist in a peaceful climate but in the context of the Chief Constable telling us that the level of threat from dissident republican terrorism is the highest since he came here seven years ago," he said.
"It isn't just a threat but a threat which came to full and deadly fruition earlier this year at Massereene Barracks and in Craigavon with the murders of Sappers Quinsey and Azimkar and Constable Stephen Carroll," he continued.
He insisted today that he will be "actively seeking to resolve this matter on behalf of all those who have been denied a weapon to protect their person and who feel that they will be targeted by terrorists".
(BMcC/JM)
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05 December 2003
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01 July 2003
Shoukri given six years for possessing gun
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Shoukri given six years for possessing gun
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24 June 2003
Shoukri carried gun for ‘protection’
A leading loyalist from north Belfast has said that the handgun he was caught with was to protect himself from an opposing loyalist faction led by Johnny Adair. Andre ‘The Egyptian’ Shoukri, 26, whose address was given as Sunninghill Gardens, is charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition with the intent to endanger life.
Shoukri carried gun for ‘protection’
A leading loyalist from north Belfast has said that the handgun he was caught with was to protect himself from an opposing loyalist faction led by Johnny Adair. Andre ‘The Egyptian’ Shoukri, 26, whose address was given as Sunninghill Gardens, is charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition with the intent to endanger life.
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