Dissident attack underlines need for Executive to meet

10.30.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 11th Sep 2008

Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn

Alliance Lagan Valley MLA Trevor Lunn has expressed concern that dissident republicans are now targeting police officers in the Lisburn area, and said that the attack highlights the urgent need for the Executive to meet as soon as possible. His comments follow the news that a bomb was placed under the car of a woman in Lambeg who the dissidents mistakenly believed was linked to the police.

Trevor Lunn MLA said: "It is extremely worrying that dissident republicans are now operating in areas such as Lisburn.

"It is not that surprising that the recent rise in dissident activity has happened at the same time as disagreements between the DUP and Sinn Fein, and the failure of the Executive to meet over the summer. The Dissident groups will stop at nothing to exploit weaknesses and wreak havoc.

"This attack further increases the need for the Executive to meet next week. The Executive parties must send out the strong message that peace cannot be derailed by a few thugs. They must show those behind these attacks that democracy is the only way to resolve problems, not violence.

"I would urge anybody with any information about this incident to contact the police."

ENDS