Pipe Bomb attacks on North Antrim Catholics
Published: 8 August, 2005
North Antrim Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi McKay has accused unionist
paramilitaries of being behind two pipe bomb attacks in Cloghmills last
night. One of the devices was left beside a work van while the other was
thrown at the front of a family home.
Speaking from the scene in Cloughmills Cllr. McKay said:
" For sometime unionist paramilitaries in North Antrim egged on by the
negative political environment created by the DUP and others in this area
have been engaged in a sectarian campaign against Catholics. We have seen
churches attacks, businesses attacked and homes attacked. Last nights pipe
bombings in Cloughmills were the latest instalment in this ongoing campaign.
Despite this reality and the difficulties it causes for the wider political
process there has been little focus put into stopping these attacks from
either unionist political party.
" In recent weeks the PSNI have attempted to justify this campaign by
linking it to a planned anti-internment march in Ballymena. This despite the
fact that the campaign pre-dates that plan and has now continued after the
Parades Commission restricted the march. Given this view from the PSNI and
the complete lack of action so far nationalists will have little confidence
in their willingness to tackle this ongoing campaign of violence and
intimidation.
" I would appeal to nationalists and republicans in North Antrim to remain
highly vigilant in the time ahead as it seems that unionist paramilitary
gangs are intent on escalating their campaign. I would also once again
appeal to the leadership of the DUP to get a grip on this issue. Instead of
acting as cheer leaders for the paramilitary gangs they must for the first
time make a stand and begin to treat nationalists in this area with equality
and respect." ENDS
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