Menu
19/05/2006
Trimble calls for website closure after murder threat
Former Ulster Unionist Party Leader, David Trimble has written to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, demanding that a website linked to the Real IRA, which is inciting his murder, be shut down.
The site is run by the 32 County Sovereignty Movement which is recognised as the political wing of the Real IRA, who are believed to be those responsible for the 1998 Omagh atrocity in which 29 people lost their lives.
It is understood that Mr Trimble wrote to Sir Ian Blair, enclosing a copy of the statement, which he referred to as "disgusting libellous statements" and "a clear incitement to murder me".
The letter called for Sir Ian to investigate the allegations behind the threat.
Families of the victims of the 1998 Real IRA bombing have been campaigning to have the website closed down for some time, and last week the US government said that they would do all they could to help them with their campaign.
Mr Trimble's letter to Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, stated that the Prime Minister had already assured campaigners that the matter would be dealt with, however Sir Ian was pinpointed as having lead responsibility on the issue.
The former First Minister also added that police in Scotland should become involved in the investigation, as it has emerged that the site is operated from a server in Glasgow.
David Trimble said: "It is a considerable disappointment to see that the site continues to operate. I have no doubt that if this website was a Fundamental Islamist site advocating murder, arrests and closure would now have happened.
"I do think it is a grave mistake for the authorities to permit the continued operation of what is in effect a terrorist support group."
He continued: "Whatever complacency there might have been within mainland police forces about this sort of activity must surely have ended after last year's bombs in London and I do hope that vigorous action will now be taken on this matter."
He concluded by saying that he would send a printout of the website to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, the NI Secretary of State and the Scottish Secretary.
(EF)
The site is run by the 32 County Sovereignty Movement which is recognised as the political wing of the Real IRA, who are believed to be those responsible for the 1998 Omagh atrocity in which 29 people lost their lives.
It is understood that Mr Trimble wrote to Sir Ian Blair, enclosing a copy of the statement, which he referred to as "disgusting libellous statements" and "a clear incitement to murder me".
The letter called for Sir Ian to investigate the allegations behind the threat.
Families of the victims of the 1998 Real IRA bombing have been campaigning to have the website closed down for some time, and last week the US government said that they would do all they could to help them with their campaign.
Mr Trimble's letter to Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, stated that the Prime Minister had already assured campaigners that the matter would be dealt with, however Sir Ian was pinpointed as having lead responsibility on the issue.
The former First Minister also added that police in Scotland should become involved in the investigation, as it has emerged that the site is operated from a server in Glasgow.
David Trimble said: "It is a considerable disappointment to see that the site continues to operate. I have no doubt that if this website was a Fundamental Islamist site advocating murder, arrests and closure would now have happened.
"I do think it is a grave mistake for the authorities to permit the continued operation of what is in effect a terrorist support group."
He continued: "Whatever complacency there might have been within mainland police forces about this sort of activity must surely have ended after last year's bombs in London and I do hope that vigorous action will now be taken on this matter."
He concluded by saying that he would send a printout of the website to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, the NI Secretary of State and the Scottish Secretary.
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 September 2004
UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
18 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
-
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.
