Menu
26/05/2010
NIO Boss Underlines Dissident Threat
There remains a "very real and serious threat from dissident republicans, intent on causing death and serious injury".
That's the view of the NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson who has just given his view on the 23rd Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) report on levels of paramilitary activity.
The IMC report published today by the Government, acknowledged the serious threat with Owen Paterson commenting: "The IMC report that the criminal justice system offers a potent response to paramilitaries, particularly now it is owned by and accountable to the people of Northern Ireland.
"While dissident republicans remain highly active and dangerous, the IMC confirm that their activities are in no way a reappearance of something comparable to the old 'PIRA' campaign, not least because of community support for the political process and the devolution of policing and justice.
"The General Election showed that there is overwhelming support for parties who want to make the political process work," he continued.
"I agree that recent significant acts of decommissioning by both loyalist and republican paramilitaries mark a sea change in paramilitary activity.
"Northern Ireland still faces serious paramilitary challenges, but the decision by many to eschew violence, is a hugely important signal of change," he said, hopefully.
The IMC report underlined the capabilities of the dissident republican groups that have been responsible for a string of shootings and bombings, including a recent high-profile bomb attack on MI5's Northern Ireland headquarters.
But the IMC said the groups are incapable of derailing the peace process: "In particular, the range and nature of RIRA's activities in the six months under review were, by any yardstick, a very serious matter," said the IMC report.
"However it is important to point out that this is in no way a reappearance of something comparable to the Provisional IRA campaign."
Its latest assessment of paramilitary activity covers from 1 September last year to the end of February 2010.
(BMcC/GK)
That's the view of the NI Secretary of State Owen Paterson who has just given his view on the 23rd Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) report on levels of paramilitary activity.
The IMC report published today by the Government, acknowledged the serious threat with Owen Paterson commenting: "The IMC report that the criminal justice system offers a potent response to paramilitaries, particularly now it is owned by and accountable to the people of Northern Ireland.
"While dissident republicans remain highly active and dangerous, the IMC confirm that their activities are in no way a reappearance of something comparable to the old 'PIRA' campaign, not least because of community support for the political process and the devolution of policing and justice.
"The General Election showed that there is overwhelming support for parties who want to make the political process work," he continued.
"I agree that recent significant acts of decommissioning by both loyalist and republican paramilitaries mark a sea change in paramilitary activity.
"Northern Ireland still faces serious paramilitary challenges, but the decision by many to eschew violence, is a hugely important signal of change," he said, hopefully.
The IMC report underlined the capabilities of the dissident republican groups that have been responsible for a string of shootings and bombings, including a recent high-profile bomb attack on MI5's Northern Ireland headquarters.
But the IMC said the groups are incapable of derailing the peace process: "In particular, the range and nature of RIRA's activities in the six months under review were, by any yardstick, a very serious matter," said the IMC report.
"However it is important to point out that this is in no way a reappearance of something comparable to the Provisional IRA campaign."
Its latest assessment of paramilitary activity covers from 1 September last year to the end of February 2010.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Man Extradited From Ireland To Face Serious Charges
A 33-year-old man has been extradited from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland to face serious charges. The man is accused of assault causing harm, coercive control, contravention of a safety order, theft, and possession of a weapon. The alleged offences occurred in the Monaghan area between 2020 and 2021.
Man Extradited From Ireland To Face Serious Charges
A 33-year-old man has been extradited from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland to face serious charges. The man is accused of assault causing harm, coercive control, contravention of a safety order, theft, and possession of a weapon. The alleged offences occurred in the Monaghan area between 2020 and 2021.
04 November 2010
Terror Monitors To Be 'Decommissioned'
The organisation that has been keeping watch on the state of the NI terrorist groups' ceasefires has been praised today - but only as it was being consigned to history at the same time.
Terror Monitors To Be 'Decommissioned'
The organisation that has been keeping watch on the state of the NI terrorist groups' ceasefires has been praised today - but only as it was being consigned to history at the same time.
07 November 2007
UDA Condemned For Failure To Leave Terror Behind
The main loyalist paramilitary organisation, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) has been condemned for still being involved in violence and criminality.
UDA Condemned For Failure To Leave Terror Behind
The main loyalist paramilitary organisation, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) has been condemned for still being involved in violence and criminality.
26 April 2006
IMC report finds IRA committed to 'political and peaceful path'
The Independent Monitoring Commission today published its tenth report, revealing that the body set up to monitor paramilitary activity had found the IRA leadership to be committed to "following a political and peaceful path.
IMC report finds IRA committed to 'political and peaceful path'
The Independent Monitoring Commission today published its tenth report, revealing that the body set up to monitor paramilitary activity had found the IRA leadership to be committed to "following a political and peaceful path.
15 March 2004
Early IMC report vindicates review withdrawal says UUP
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble said plans for the early publication of the International Monitoring Commission's (IMC) report on paramilitary activity was a "vindication" of his party's decision to withdraw from the recent Good Friday Agreement review.
Early IMC report vindicates review withdrawal says UUP
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble said plans for the early publication of the International Monitoring Commission's (IMC) report on paramilitary activity was a "vindication" of his party's decision to withdraw from the recent Good Friday Agreement review.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
