Politicians react to border bomb bust: Former bomber Gerry Kelly condemns dissident actions as 'futile' as DUP demands 'uncompromising' response
Political reaction has begun to flow in after An Garda Siochana intercepted what they have dubbed an “extremely significant” bomb close to the border.
The bomb was discovered in a car south of Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, on Wednesday; police have only just revealed the news.
Two arrests have been made.
Sinn Fein has called on the bombers to “leave the stage”, with North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly – who was himself convicted of bombing the Old Bailey courthouse in London – dubbing their actions “futile”.
The DUP leader Gavin Robinson, MP for East Belfast, has demanded an “uncompromising” response to dissidents on both sides of the border.
SDLP MP for Foyle Colum Eastwood said it is time for dissidents to “listen to the wishes of people across this island” and quit, while Fermanagh and South Tyrone UUP MLA Diana Armstrong, the party’s deputy leader, said "the people of Northern Ireland have rejected violence, rejected fear, and rejected those who believe they can bomb their way to political influence”.
Justice minister, East Belfast MLA and Alliance leader Naomi Long said it shows people “must not become complacent” about the threat of violence.
Here are their statements in full:
Gerry Kelly:
"The interception by An Garda Síochána of an explosive device in County Monaghan, which could have caused devastating destruction and misery, is welcome.
"Those responsible represent no one, are void of support and have nothing positive to offer our communities.
"Their actions are entirely reckless.
"Those involved should abandon their futile actions, leave the stage once and for all, and allow our communities to continue moving forward together in peace."
Gavin Robinson:
“Reports that police in the Republic intercepted a completed terrorist bomb allegedly destined for Northern Ireland just across the border are chilling.
"It was, according to reports, a live terrorist operation that could have resulted in the loss of life.
"All those involved in stopping this deserve enormous credit.
"Their actions may have prevented innocent families from suffering unimaginable tragedy.
"This operation also raises serious questions for the Irish Government about how it is assessing the threat posed by dissident republican terrorism and whether the response is keeping pace with the danger.
"If terrorists are capable of assembling sophisticated explosive devices and moving them towards the border, then it is entirely legitimate to ask whether the threat is being fully recognised and whether sufficient resources and operational focus are being directed towards disrupting these organisations before they reach this stage.
"This incident is a stark reminder that these terrorists remain active, organised and intent on murder.
"There can be no room for complacency.
"The response from both governments must be relentless, intelligence-led and uncompromising.
"Terrorists belong in prison, not on the road carrying bombs towards Northern Ireland.”
Colum Eastwood:
“Reports that a car bomb with the capacity to cause death and destruction was intercepted by Gardaí on its way to our city are deeply concerning.
"It took a significant police operation to intercept this vehicle and prevent a tragedy from taking place and I commend the officers for their efforts.
“This incident will bring back dark memories of our past for many.
"The SDLP has always been clear that violence of this nature is futile and achieves nothing except harming communities and tearing families apart.
“We have seen an uptick in extreme violence from dissident republicans in recent years and this is another stark reminder of the capability they have to cause harm to innocent people.
"The only way we will move forward is through peace, dialogue and an end to violence of any kind.
"I urge dissident republicans to listen to the wishes of people across this island and leave the stage for good.”
Diana Armstrong:
“People across Northern Ireland will be shocked and horrified by the interception in County Monaghan on Wednesday, July 22, of an extremely significant and potentially deadly explosive device.
"The alleged involvement of suspected New IRA members is a chilling reminder that a small and dangerous minority still wants to drag us back to the darkest days of our past.
"The people of Northern Ireland have rejected violence, rejected fear and rejected those who believe they can bomb their way to political influence.
“It is our sincere hope that those responsible will feel the full force of the law.
"There can be no place in modern society for the backward and dangerous ideology that continues to put lives at risk and seeks to drag our communities backwards.
“The Ulster Unionist Party wishes to place on record its sincere thanks and gratitude to An Garda Síochána for their professionalism and swift action in intercepting this vehicle before those involved were able to carry out their plans and endanger further lives.
“The people of Northern Ireland know all too well the devastating impact that terrorist attacks have on families and communities.
"Such acts tear communities apart, cause immense suffering, and result in the needless loss of life.
"They are and never have been justified in any circumstances.
“This latest incident is a further reminder of the continued threat posed by dissident republican terrorism.
"We must remain vigilant and resolute in confronting this threat, and we encourage the security forces on both sides of the border to continue their vital work in disrupting terrorist activity and bringing those responsible to justice.
“The overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland and the Republic support peace, democracy and the rule of law.
"Those who seek to undermine that progress will not succeed.”
NAOMI LONG:
“I unequivocally condemn those responsible for this planned attack and the intent behind it.
"There can be no justification for actions designed to endanger lives and spread fear within our communities.
“I am extremely grateful to An Garda Síochána, the Irish Defence Forces Bomb Disposal Team, the PSNI and UK security partners for their swift and professional response in intercepting and making safe this significant explosive device before it could cause harm.
“This was a sophisticated, viable device that was reportedly completed and ready for use.
"The successful operation has almost certainly prevented serious injury or loss of life and is a clear demonstration of the professionalism, dedication and effectiveness of those charged with keeping the public safe.
“The incident, together with the recent attacks on police stations in Lurgan and Dunmurry, highlights the continuing threat posed by a small number of individuals who remain intent on causing harm, targeting the police and undermining community safety. These events serve as a stark reminder that the threat from terrorism has not disappeared.
“However, they also demonstrate the strength of the close and enduring cooperation between policing, security and justice partners North and South.
"Those intent on causing harm do not recognise borders, and our efforts to prevent, detect and disrupt such activity must continue to transcend them.
"While the interception of this device is reassuring and reflects the effectiveness of our security partners, we must not become complacent.
"We must continue to support the capabilities, partnerships and operational cooperation necessary to identify and disrupt threats before they can impact our communities...
“Those who continue to pursue terrorism have nothing to offer society but fear, destruction and misery.
"Their actions have been repeatedly rejected by our communities, which have chosen peace, democracy and the rule of law over violence and intimidation.
"The safety and security of the public remains my overriding priority, and I will continue to support the work of our policing and security partners in their efforts to keep people safe and protect our communities.”