Police criticised over handling of Real IRA episode

The threats were made at a 32 County Sovereignty Movement (32 CSM) commemoration at the city cemetery where a masked member of the republican terror group told several hundred supporters that ‘Oglaigh na hEireann’ “will continue to attack Crown forces personnel,their installations as well as British interests and infrastructure.”

The comments from the Real IRA member drew applause from the assembled supporters. But, Mr Campbell said that a similar message was delivered at the same location last year and since then attempts had been made to kill police officers and soldiers.

Whilst police monitored the events at the cemetery from a helicopter and later arrested six men, who were still being questioned at Antrim Serious Crime Suite at the time of going to press last night, Gregory Campbell said the PSNI had 12 months to prepare for the same situation arising again.

“Last year at the Easter commemoration at the same place, organised by the same people, there was a similar threat. We know that in the intervening 12 months there were attempts made on police officers’ lives. Given that that happened 12 months ago, most people would expect police to be aware and expect something similar,” he said.

In response Londonderry’s leading police officer, Chief Inspector Garry Eaton said: “Any breaches of criminal law reported to the police or coming to our attention will be rigorously and thoroughly investigated.

“The PSNI work to ensure that all their actions are appropriate, proportionate and lawful. Our priorities are to protect the public, preserve public order, uphold the human rights of all and gather evidence of any wrongdoing.”

The masked individual who delivered the Real IRA statement said the organisation planned to work with other dissident organisations.

Calling for republican unity the man said: “Continued divisions within republicanism only serve the interests of our enemies. There is only one Irish Republican Army and it is present in this cemetery today.”

Leading member of the 32 CSM in the city, Gary Donnelly also spoke at the event and reiterated the organisation’s stance on the rejection of constitutional means in achieving an united Ireland.

“Republicans cannot and will not engage with the institutions of partition and those who have no right to claim the label of republican. The unavoidable conclusion reached when looking at former comrades at Stormont is that there is simply no constitutional path to a united Ireland,” he said.