‘MI5 and war junkies work together’ says John O’ Dowd

Pacemaker Press 19/7/2015
Police and ATO at the scene of a security alert in Lurgan at the weekend.
A device exploded in the Victoria Street area of the Co Armagh town late on Saturday night.

During a lengthy security alert in the town police had earlier found a device incapable of exploding.

While carrying out a clearance operation a second device exploded.

Pic Pacemaker — Pacemaker Press 19/7/2015 Police and ATO at the scene of a security alert in Lurgan at the weekend. A device exploded in the Victoria Street area of the Co Armagh town late on Saturday night. During a lengthy security alert in the town police had earlier found a device incapable of exploding. While carrying out a clearance operation a second device exploded. Pic Pacemaker

Speaking after the bomb in Lurgan, the Sinn Fein MLA said ‘it is simply wrong on all levels’.

“The lives of PSNI officers, civilians and dissident foot soldiers irrelevant in the eyes of the war junkies in suits and their pals in balaclavas.

“We all deserve better, especially our young people. There is an alternative to conflict, to death and prison. It requires hard work and dedication. It is frustrating at times but working.”

He said; “Thankfully no one was injured by these devices but several local families had to be moved from their homes.

“Not only did this attack endanger the lives of PSNI officers but it also could have killed or injured anyone else in the vicinity. It was attack on the entire community

“Those responsible for this bomb showed absolutely no regard for the people of Lurgan with this attack.

“The community in Lurgan and people right across the North do not want this and we will not allow a tiny minority to attempt to drag us back to the past.”

SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly said: “This plot was orchestrated to deliberately take the lives of police officers. Those responsible showed a total disregard not only for the safety of PSNI officers but also for the people of Lurgan - the bombs were planted in an area that thousands of people pass through each day. Furthermore, the local GAA club had been running events all day, attracting people to the area and there was a real potential for devastation given the location of the devices.

“There is no room in Lurgan for incidents like this one and those responsible should desist from this type of activity immediately. I would like to commend the PSNI officers on the scene for their diligence in assessing the situation and making the area safe.

Alliance Justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson MLA said: “This was a cold, calculated move designed to lure PSNI officers to the area with the aim of murdering them.

“The officers targeted were in the area to protect everyone and it is sickening that they could have been lured in such a way that also put residents at risk.

“The thugs behind this have no regard for anyone and we cannot take the risk that next time they might not fail. Anyone with information should contact the PSNI.”