Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA, has urged the Chief Constable to take steps to arrest Dee Fennell following comments made by the Ardoyne republican as he addressed a meeting in Lurgan on Easter Sunday.

Mr Elliott said:

"I am in no doubt that the comments made by Dee Fennell, Principal spokesperson for the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective, leave him open to arrest and prosecution under the 2000 Terrorism Act.

“This country suffered dreadfully from the widespread terrorist campaign unleashed upon it by the IRA and other terrorist groupings and the vast majority of people in this country want violence and the threat of violence consigned to the past.   

“However, in his speech, Dee Fennell not only referenced previous violence including Easter 1916 and the murder of Lord Mountbatten, but he stated that ‘armed struggle in 2015 remains a legitimate act of resistance.’

Fennell continued by quoting Maire Drumm. ‘It isn’t enough to shout’ Up the IRA’, the important thing is to join the IRA. As you leave here today, ask yourselves is it enough to support republicanism or could you be a more active republican?’

“It is my belief that these comments bring Dee Fennell into conflict with the 2000 Terrorism Act.

Section 12 (1) of the Act states that ‘a person commits an offence if (a) he invites support for a proscribed organisation’ and

Section 12 (3) of the Act states that ‘a person commits an offence if he addresses a meeting and the purpose of his address is to encourage support for a proscribed organisation or to further its activities.”

“I am therefore calling on the Chief Constable to take urgent action to have Fennell arrested and prosecuted.”