Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Micheál Martin, deplores Newtownhamilton Attack

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Micheál Martin, deplores Newtownhamilton Attack

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin T.D., has deplored last night’s bomb attack in Newtownhamilton, Co. Armagh. 

He said:

“Last night’s bomb was a reckless and senseless attack on the community in Newtownhamilton, a criminal act putting human life at risk which cannot be justified or excused.

I wish those injured in the explosion a swift recovery and would encourage anyone with any information to bring it to the police.” 

The Minister continued:

“Those who carry out such acts and seek to justify them in the name of the Republic are wrong and misguided.   The only viable road to unity on this island lies through peace, tolerance, persuasion and agreement.   Violence and coercion serve no purpose in modern Ireland other than to delay reconciliation.

The overwhelming majority of Republicans on this island have chosen to pursue unity through peaceful persuasion.  I call on all those who believe in the Republic to join us in this work.  To those who consider themselves Republicans but have neither the stomach nor the patience for the long haul of reconciliation and building up this nation, I call on you to stand back and leave the work to those of us who do.

The people of Ireland have mapped out that road through a political process endorsed  through referenda north and south. To lash out in blind and resentful aggression against the efforts to establish peace, security and prosperity on this island, will not bring about unity, nor will it end the British presence on this island.  Acts of violence such as that visited upon the people of Newtownhamilton perpetuate sectarian division among our people and the partition of our country.   In the name of the Republic, I call on those who commit these acts to stop.” 

ENDS+++
Press Office
23 April 2010