Paramilitary shootings can contribute to suicide: Bell

12.00.00am GMT Mon 16th Feb 2004

THE IRSP's denial that the INLA are not directly responsible for the deaths of young men in north Belfast who committed suicide following paramilitary shootings is "pathetic and unconvincing".

Alliance Party Victims Spokesperson Eileen Bell stated: "Sadly, paramilitaries are continuing to exert their unaccountable power through the barrel of a gun and tearing families apart. It is a tragedy when someone commits suicide, and it is not difficult to see how paramilitary attacks can contribute to an individual's decision to take their own life.

"It is important that paramilitary child abuse ends, but it is equally essential that communities are not forgotten by the authorities and that there are adequate facilities for young people and services that serve the community's needs."