Menu
03/07/2009
Kinahan Slams Police Over PPWs
A further voice has been added to growing criticism of the police over their handling of the issue and retention of personal protection weapons (PPWs).
Just days after it was revealed that the number of former police officers currently without personal protection weapons has dramatically increased, an Ulster Unionist MLA for South Antrim has slammed the PSNI on its policy.
Former Army officer, Danny Kinahan, pictured here with UU Leader, Sir Reg Empey after he took over David Burnside's seat at Stormont, has spoken out.
He broadly supported the opinion of NI Policing Board member and former RUC officer Jimmy Spratt who has described it as "an unacceptable situation".
Mr Spratt has already said that - following the dissident republican murders of Constable Stephen Carroll and two soldiers at Massereene - he was "very concerned that the PSNI seem hell bent on taking personal protection weapons away, leaving people feeling vulnerable".
Now, the Ulster Unionist has expressed his continued disappointment with the PSNI policy.
"It is clear that this issue is simply not going to go away, nor should it." he said.
Soon after figures were released to UTV under the Freedom of Information Act, which showed that while just 25 people had their license to carry a gun revoked in 2005, that figure rose to 151 in 2009, Mr Kinahan added his voice to the debate.
"I would ask the PSNI to recognise this and to take tangible action - action which will alleviate the genuine concerns of many in our community who helped to fight for peace in Northern Ireland.
"This PSNI policy on personal protection weapons does not exist in a peaceful climate but in the context of the Chief Constable telling us that the level of threat from dissident republican terrorism is the highest since he came here seven years ago," he said.
"It isn't just a threat but a threat which came to full and deadly fruition earlier this year at Massereene Barracks and in Craigavon with the murders of Sappers Quinsey and Azimkar and Constable Stephen Carroll," he continued.
He insisted today that he will be "actively seeking to resolve this matter on behalf of all those who have been denied a weapon to protect their person and who feel that they will be targeted by terrorists".
(BMcC/JM)
Just days after it was revealed that the number of former police officers currently without personal protection weapons has dramatically increased, an Ulster Unionist MLA for South Antrim has slammed the PSNI on its policy.
Former Army officer, Danny Kinahan, pictured here with UU Leader, Sir Reg Empey after he took over David Burnside's seat at Stormont, has spoken out.
He broadly supported the opinion of NI Policing Board member and former RUC officer Jimmy Spratt who has described it as "an unacceptable situation".
Mr Spratt has already said that - following the dissident republican murders of Constable Stephen Carroll and two soldiers at Massereene - he was "very concerned that the PSNI seem hell bent on taking personal protection weapons away, leaving people feeling vulnerable".
Now, the Ulster Unionist has expressed his continued disappointment with the PSNI policy.
"It is clear that this issue is simply not going to go away, nor should it." he said.
Soon after figures were released to UTV under the Freedom of Information Act, which showed that while just 25 people had their license to carry a gun revoked in 2005, that figure rose to 151 in 2009, Mr Kinahan added his voice to the debate.
"I would ask the PSNI to recognise this and to take tangible action - action which will alleviate the genuine concerns of many in our community who helped to fight for peace in Northern Ireland.
"This PSNI policy on personal protection weapons does not exist in a peaceful climate but in the context of the Chief Constable telling us that the level of threat from dissident republican terrorism is the highest since he came here seven years ago," he said.
"It isn't just a threat but a threat which came to full and deadly fruition earlier this year at Massereene Barracks and in Craigavon with the murders of Sappers Quinsey and Azimkar and Constable Stephen Carroll," he continued.
He insisted today that he will be "actively seeking to resolve this matter on behalf of all those who have been denied a weapon to protect their person and who feel that they will be targeted by terrorists".
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 September 2002
PSNI trainees issued with personal protection weapons
New recruits to the PSNI are being issued with personal protection weapons following an assessment of the threat posed by paramilitary organisations. In one of his last acts as Acting Chief Constable, Colin Cramphorn advised the Policing Board Chairman Professor Desmond Rea that there was a significant threat from dissident republicans.
PSNI trainees issued with personal protection weapons
New recruits to the PSNI are being issued with personal protection weapons following an assessment of the threat posed by paramilitary organisations. In one of his last acts as Acting Chief Constable, Colin Cramphorn advised the Policing Board Chairman Professor Desmond Rea that there was a significant threat from dissident republicans.
18 November 2024
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
27 July 2011
Woman Held In PC's Bomb Murder Probe
There has been a further arrest in the ongoing probe into a police officer's murder earlier this year. A woman has been detained in Omagh, as more searches are being carried out by police investigating the booby-trap bomb murder of Constable Ronan Kerr.
Woman Held In PC's Bomb Murder Probe
There has been a further arrest in the ongoing probe into a police officer's murder earlier this year. A woman has been detained in Omagh, as more searches are being carried out by police investigating the booby-trap bomb murder of Constable Ronan Kerr.
05 December 2003
Loyalist fails in court bid to overturn sentence
A leading loyalist has failed in his attempt to have a two-year jail sentence overturned. Andre Shoukri, from Sunningdale Gardens in Belfast, was jailed in July after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
Loyalist fails in court bid to overturn sentence
A leading loyalist has failed in his attempt to have a two-year jail sentence overturned. Andre Shoukri, from Sunningdale Gardens in Belfast, was jailed in July after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
01 July 2003
Shoukri given six years for possessing gun
A leading loyalist has been jailed for six years today after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Andre Shoukri, 26, from Sunninghill Gardens, Belfast, was also sentenced for two years to run concurrently on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition without certificates.
Shoukri given six years for possessing gun
A leading loyalist has been jailed for six years today after being found guilty of possessing a gun and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Andre Shoukri, 26, from Sunninghill Gardens, Belfast, was also sentenced for two years to run concurrently on charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition without certificates.
-
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.
