NEW MEASURES MEANS NO HIDING PLACE FOR BOMBERS
New measures means no hiding place for bombers
Dublin moves are welcomed
By Michael Devine in Dublin
TERRORISTS will have "no place to run" under new security measures to be introduced by both the British and Irish Governments, a leading member of the SDLP said today.
Alex Attwood, a solictor and assembly member for West Belfast, joined with Ulster Unionist security spokesman Ken Maginnis in welcoming the new measures announced by Dublin.
And both looked forward to comparable measures being introduced in Northern Ireland.
Mr Attwood said: "There is reassurance that no stone will be unturned legally to ensure those responsible for Omagh and the likes will be exposed, tried, prosecuted and convicted"
He said the SDLP will support the Government on any measures it brings forward.
Mr Maginnis also backed a call from Mr Trimble - who wants the British to match the "draconian" Irish measures - that Parliament be recalled.
Following a meeting with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin last night, Mr Trimble welcomed the package of anti-terrorist laws planned by the Irish Government, which are the toughest in the history of the state.
It is understood that a number of ministers were in favour of the immediate introduction of internment but it was decided to go the legislative route. Mr Ahern emphasised that internment was an option that the government would avail of "should that be judged the right course of action". The Dail is to be recalled within a fortnight. The measures are expected to be passed within a few days as the opposition parties will give them their full backing.
Mr Trimble stated that primary legislation was required if parallel measures were to be brought in the UK and this required Parliament to be recalled.
He said it was a mistake when the power to intern was removed from the UK statute book.
The Irish Government decided to bring in the toughest anti-terrorist legislation in the history of the State after a four hour cabinet meeting to review security in the wake of the Omagh atrocity.
Mr Ahern conceded that some of the measures were draconian but said he was not prepared to risk another outrage similar to Omagh.
He said: 'The government is determined to do everything in our power, working closely with the British government to defeat and suppress this murderous conspiracy against the people of Ireland. The democratic will of the people will be upheld and respected".
The main measures announced by the government are:
Withdrawal of a suspect's right to silence. Refusal to answer questions in custody can be used as corroboration of a Garda chief superintendent's evidence that he believes a defendent is a member of an illegal organisation;
The seizure of property, including land, which has been used for storing weapons or making bombs;
The "creation of new offences under the Offences Against the State Act, including that of directing an unlawful organisation. This is aimed at the godfathers of terrorism and is expected to carry the penalty of life imprisonment.
Other new offences include possessing items for purposes connected with specified firearms or explosives offences; withholding information concerning terrorist offences, unlawfully collecting information, and training persons in the use of firearms or explosives.
Dublin moves are welcomed
By Michael Devine in Dublin
TERRORISTS will have "no place to run" under new security measures to be introduced by both the British and Irish Governments, a leading member of the SDLP said today.
Alex Attwood, a solictor and assembly member for West Belfast, joined with Ulster Unionist security spokesman Ken Maginnis in welcoming the new measures announced by Dublin.
And both looked forward to comparable measures being introduced in Northern Ireland.
Mr Attwood said: "There is reassurance that no stone will be unturned legally to ensure those responsible for Omagh and the likes will be exposed, tried, prosecuted and convicted"
He said the SDLP will support the Government on any measures it brings forward.
Mr Maginnis also backed a call from Mr Trimble - who wants the British to match the "draconian" Irish measures - that Parliament be recalled.
Following a meeting with the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in Dublin last night, Mr Trimble welcomed the package of anti-terrorist laws planned by the Irish Government, which are the toughest in the history of the state.
It is understood that a number of ministers were in favour of the immediate introduction of internment but it was decided to go the legislative route. Mr Ahern emphasised that internment was an option that the government would avail of "should that be judged the right course of action". The Dail is to be recalled within a fortnight. The measures are expected to be passed within a few days as the opposition parties will give them their full backing.
Mr Trimble stated that primary legislation was required if parallel measures were to be brought in the UK and this required Parliament to be recalled.
He said it was a mistake when the power to intern was removed from the UK statute book.
The Irish Government decided to bring in the toughest anti-terrorist legislation in the history of the State after a four hour cabinet meeting to review security in the wake of the Omagh atrocity.
Mr Ahern conceded that some of the measures were draconian but said he was not prepared to risk another outrage similar to Omagh.
He said: 'The government is determined to do everything in our power, working closely with the British government to defeat and suppress this murderous conspiracy against the people of Ireland. The democratic will of the people will be upheld and respected".
The main measures announced by the government are:
Withdrawal of a suspect's right to silence. Refusal to answer questions in custody can be used as corroboration of a Garda chief superintendent's evidence that he believes a defendent is a member of an illegal organisation;
The seizure of property, including land, which has been used for storing weapons or making bombs;
The "creation of new offences under the Offences Against the State Act, including that of directing an unlawful organisation. This is aimed at the godfathers of terrorism and is expected to carry the penalty of life imprisonment.
Other new offences include possessing items for purposes connected with specified firearms or explosives offences; withholding information concerning terrorist offences, unlawfully collecting information, and training persons in the use of firearms or explosives.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0105
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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