DUP blames Sinn Fein for ‘political vacuum’ behind the rise of New IRA
SINN Fein’s Westminster boycott and refusal to re-enter into Stormont power-sharing are to blame for the rise of dissident groups including the New IRA, the DUP’s Jeffrey Donaldson claimed last night.
The MP lambasted the republican party for creating a “political vacuum” that has allowed the terrorists to thrive.
He hit out at Sinn Fein after it was revealed yesterday that the New IRA is now considered the biggest republican terror threat in Ireland since the Provisionals’ 1994 ceasefire.
Mr Donaldson, whose cousins Sam and Alex Donaldson were killed by the IRA, said the DUP would now be asking PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton for a fresh security assessment on the dissident threat level from the New IRA.
He added that the party was also prepared to ask Prime Minister Theresa May for more funds
BY ADRIAN RUTHERFORD
A TEENAGER shot in a paramilitary-style attack had recently been named on a list targeting almost 50 people.
The 17-year-old was shot three times in the legs in Downfine Gardens in west Belfast on Thursday night.
Police described it as “a brutal and horrific attack”.
A neighbour said: “The shooter led the teenager into the entryway before placing him against a wooden fence.
“Afterwards, grey and bloodied clothing was strewn against the wall as forensic officers began to mark the spent casings on the ground.
“This is the third shooting of a teenager in west Belfast from the summer of 2016.”
Security sources said the victim had been named on a list that had been circulating on social media. The list accused a number of named individuals of housebreaking, joyriding and drug dealing.
The latest victim was the last name posted online before it was removed after a police investigation. so the PSNI was “fully equipped to fight dissident groups”.
Michael O’Sullivan, Assistant Garda Commissioner in charge
West Belfast MLA Pat Sheehan led condemnation of the attack. “The shooting of a man last night was wrong and I condemn it,” he said.
“There can be no place for such incidents in our society. of security, yesterday revealed the New IRA was more dangerous than any other dissident mob including Oglaigh na hEireann or the Continuity IRA.
Mr Donaldson said: “Sinn Fein’s refusal to enter into a new power-sharing agreement at Stormont and their long standing policy of abstention from the UK Parliament has created a political vacuum that has allowed groups such as the New IRA to breathe and thrive.
“It’s so disappointing that given the residual terrorist threat to Northern Ireland from extremists in the UK and the rest of the world, that Sinn Fein can’t work within the existing democratic and political framework to show
“There can be no justification for such actions and I would encourage anyone with information about this incident to bring it forward to the police.”
Gerry Carroll, People Before Profit MLA for the area, said terrorists they have no place in today’s world. They are not sending the message to dissident terrorists that they support the rule of law that will stop them winning.”
In an exclusive interview with Belfast Telegraph sister paper the Irish Independent, Mr O’Sullivan said the rise in the New IRA was listed as ‘severe’ in Northern Ireland (the second highest level) while it is ‘substantial’ in Britain — meaning there is a strong possibility of an attack. He added: “This is the highest level since the Provisionals declared their ceasefire.”
The New IRA is also believed to be more advanced in its capabilities to build explosive devices the shooting was opposed by the community.
“Sadly this morning we have learned of yet another paramilitary style attack on a young person from west Belfast,” he said. “I completely condemn these ac- than any of its dissident counterparts, and has become skilled at counter-surveillance after its members trained in eastern Europe. It is said to have more than 50 activists listed as persons of interests to the Garda and intelligence services, with an army of more than 200 supporters willing to provide logistical support such as vehicles and safe houses.
In November 2012 it murdered prison officer David Black (52) on the M1 as he drove to work at Maghaberry. Last year prison warder Adrian Ismay (52) died after a being injured in a New IRA bomb detonated underneath his van in east Belfast.
Some of its members were also involved in the 2011 murder of tions; these shootings are futile and are opposed by the majority of this community.
“They do nothing to lift people out of poverty and social deprivation. Instead, they are about control and instilling fear. PSNI constable Ronan Kerr and the earlier murders of off-duty British soldiers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkar as they took delivery of a pizza outside Massereene barracks in Antrim.
Mr Donaldson added last night the DUP was supporting the Tories’ counter-terrorism strategy as part of the £1bn deal to prop up Theresa May’s administration. “We will be working closely with the Government to ensure the PSNI have the resources they need to fight these terrorists,” he said.
Secretary of State James Brokenshire extended the June 29 deadline on power-sharing talks after the DUP and Sinn Fein reached a stalemate.
“We need to invest in our young people. To provide services and opportunities, not blast them with guns in the middle of the night.”
A PSNI spokesman said: “Police received reports at 10.50pm that a male had been shot three times in the legs. While these injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, this was a brutal and horrific attack.
“It is yet another example of how criminal elements seek to control communities through fear and violence.”
Police urged anyone with information to contact Musgrave on 101 quoting reference 1450 of 13/07/17, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Annual crime statistics published by the PSNI in May showed a big increase in security-related deaths and casualties from paramilitary attacks.
In total there were 61 shooting incidents in 2016/17 compared to 36 the previous year. These resulted in 28 casualties — twice as many as the previous year.
Republican paramilitaries were blamed for 25 of these, with loyalists deemed responsible for the remaining three.