BLAIR MAKES PLEDGE ON TACKLING TERRORISM
Blair makes new pledge on tackling terrorism
By Martina Purdy
Political Correspondent
THE Prime Minister is set to announce new security measures against terrorists when he flies to Belfast, it emerged today.
Tony Blair, who will arrive tomorrow from his holiday in France, is also expected to deliver a positive message that the Omagh bombers will not succeed in derailing the Good Friday Agreement.
Among the legal measures he is likely to announce are new laws to make it easier to convict members of proscribed organisations.
Downing Street sources said Mr Blair will focus on how the tragedy, which killed 28 people, has united the community.
"Good can come out of this evil. It could be the final horrific event which closes this chapter in Irish history forever." Mr Blair will say.
Details of the Prime Minister's itinerary were being kept under wraps - but it is expected he will meet the first minister David Trimble and his deputy Seamus Mallon.
It has not been confirmed whether he will meet the other parties, including Sinn Fein and the DUP.
This will be Mr Blair's second visit in a month, and comes as he is under pressure to crack down on terrorists and recall Parliament.
Ulster Unionist deputy leader John Taylor challenged Mr Blair to bring the SAS to Northern Ireland to tackle the bombers
Said Mr Taylor: "Ulster needs the SAS now - not to act outside the law but to become a more effective undercover operation against the activities of the Real IRA."
Mr Blair did not specifically rule out the SAS in an article in yesterday's Observer but said the government would not move to "take out" the terrorists.
The DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson and justice spokesman Ian Paisley Jr were meeting with political development Paul Murphy today to discuss security measures and demand the Assembly be reconvened.
By Martina Purdy
Political Correspondent
THE Prime Minister is set to announce new security measures against terrorists when he flies to Belfast, it emerged today.
Tony Blair, who will arrive tomorrow from his holiday in France, is also expected to deliver a positive message that the Omagh bombers will not succeed in derailing the Good Friday Agreement.
Among the legal measures he is likely to announce are new laws to make it easier to convict members of proscribed organisations.
Downing Street sources said Mr Blair will focus on how the tragedy, which killed 28 people, has united the community.
"Good can come out of this evil. It could be the final horrific event which closes this chapter in Irish history forever." Mr Blair will say.
Details of the Prime Minister's itinerary were being kept under wraps - but it is expected he will meet the first minister David Trimble and his deputy Seamus Mallon.
It has not been confirmed whether he will meet the other parties, including Sinn Fein and the DUP.
This will be Mr Blair's second visit in a month, and comes as he is under pressure to crack down on terrorists and recall Parliament.
Ulster Unionist deputy leader John Taylor challenged Mr Blair to bring the SAS to Northern Ireland to tackle the bombers
Said Mr Taylor: "Ulster needs the SAS now - not to act outside the law but to become a more effective undercover operation against the activities of the Real IRA."
Mr Blair did not specifically rule out the SAS in an article in yesterday's Observer but said the government would not move to "take out" the terrorists.
The DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson and justice spokesman Ian Paisley Jr were meeting with political development Paul Murphy today to discuss security measures and demand the Assembly be reconvened.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0230
Published Date: 24-Aug-98
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