NEW ARREST LAWS OVER-REACTION
New arrest laws 'over-reaction'
By PA News
NEW anti-terrorist laws expected to be announced by the Government in the wake of the Omagh bombing outrage could have serious implications for the peace process and Sinn Fein's role within it, the party's chief negotiator Martin McGuinness warned today.
With Prime Minister Tony Blair due in the Co Tyrone town to meet some of the relatives of the 28 victims killed in the bombing. Mr McGuinness warned that giving the RUC additional powers to arrest would be a "massive over-reaction".
Parliament is expected to be recalled next week to discuss the new legislation which may include proposals for laws making it easier to seek convictions of people suspected of belonging to proscribed organisations, including the self-styled Real IRA - the group behind the Omagh bombing.
The West Tyrone Ulster Unionist MP William Thompson said today he was "disgusted" that it had taken 28 deaths in his constituency to force the Government to act.
But Mr McGuinness warned of the dangers of bringing in new laws.
He told the BBC Breakfast Time programme: "It would have grave implications for the community and run the risk that innocent people would be put in prison."
The RUC, he claimed, was the most discredited police force in Western Europe and the new laws would be a massive over-reaction.
The most potent weapon was the views of the people, particularly republicans who were appalled at the Omagh bombing and who wanted to give the peace process a chance.
They had to resolve the conflict by political means and not by security measures.
Mr McGuinness added: "The great danger in introducing these measures is that we could have a situation developing which could have great and serious implications for the peace agreement and Sinn Fein's role within it."
By PA News
NEW anti-terrorist laws expected to be announced by the Government in the wake of the Omagh bombing outrage could have serious implications for the peace process and Sinn Fein's role within it, the party's chief negotiator Martin McGuinness warned today.
With Prime Minister Tony Blair due in the Co Tyrone town to meet some of the relatives of the 28 victims killed in the bombing. Mr McGuinness warned that giving the RUC additional powers to arrest would be a "massive over-reaction".
Parliament is expected to be recalled next week to discuss the new legislation which may include proposals for laws making it easier to seek convictions of people suspected of belonging to proscribed organisations, including the self-styled Real IRA - the group behind the Omagh bombing.
The West Tyrone Ulster Unionist MP William Thompson said today he was "disgusted" that it had taken 28 deaths in his constituency to force the Government to act.
But Mr McGuinness warned of the dangers of bringing in new laws.
He told the BBC Breakfast Time programme: "It would have grave implications for the community and run the risk that innocent people would be put in prison."
The RUC, he claimed, was the most discredited police force in Western Europe and the new laws would be a massive over-reaction.
The most potent weapon was the views of the people, particularly republicans who were appalled at the Omagh bombing and who wanted to give the peace process a chance.
They had to resolve the conflict by political means and not by security measures.
Mr McGuinness added: "The great danger in introducing these measures is that we could have a situation developing which could have great and serious implications for the peace agreement and Sinn Fein's role within it."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0254
Published Date: 25-Aug-98
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