News image
Page last updated at 15:57 GMT, Wednesday, 4 November 2009

IMC report - political reaction

Political figures have been giving their reaction to the latest report by the Independent Monitoring Commission into paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward
The IMC has analysed the real current threat posed by dissident republicans. Importantly, it also offers a solution to deal with the threat by the early devolution of policing and justice powers to the Assembly and the Executive.

DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds

The latest report of the Independent Monitoring Commission clearly highlights the dangerous threat posed by dissident republican terrorists. Whilst we still recognise the relatively small numbers involved in these groups the IMC themselves recognise the "major challenge" they pose to law enforcement on both sides of the border.

Alliance leader David Ford

This is a wake-up call to all politicians in Northern Ireland. It's clear that the devolution of justice is being held up by rows between the DUP and Sinn Fein, and it's clear from the IMC report that we cannot afford such delays. It's up to the two largest parties to resolve their differences and show they can co-operate on supporting the institutions of justice and building a genuinely shared future.

SDLP justice spokesperson Alban Maginness

The principle of the devolution of justice and policing is one that the SDLP cherishes and champions. We have pressed, urged and called for the devolution of justice and policing for many years. The latest IMC report says the devolution of policing and justice would cause a "potent intervention" to dissident republican activity. Yet the DUP fail to see this bigger picture.

Republic of Ireland Justice Minister Dermot Ahern

These are a small hardcore of unrepentant criminals who have no support amongst the Irish people, North or South.

Traditional Unionist leader Jim Allister

It would appear that the Republican transfer window is open and that recruits are heading from the ranks of the Provisionals to the various "dissident" groups. That is the import of the IMC's statement that former IRA men are assisting those who are currently engaged in violence.


Print Sponsor


SEE ALSO
Ex-IRA men 'helping dissidents'
04 Nov 09 |  Northern Ireland

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


FEATURES, VIEWS, ANALYSIS
Has China's housing bubble burst?
How the world's oldest clove tree defied an empire
Why Royal Ballet principal Sergei Polunin quit

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

AmericasAfricaEuropeMiddle EastSouth AsiaAsia Pacific