The Ulster Unionist Party’s Upper Bann MLA, Doug Beattie MC, has welcomed searches which have taken place in Lurgan today as part of ongoing efforts to thwart dissident republican activity.
Doug Beattie, who is also his Party’s Justice spokesperson, said:
“I must commend the PSNI for their intelligence led searches in Lurgan in respect to dissident republican activity. These searches highlight the proactive approach the PSNI have in disrupting this type of activity.
“I think the people of Lurgan, from all communities, have suffered enough with security alerts, terrorist parades and disruption to their everyday lives which is now becoming increasingly all too common. It is absolutely clear that those who see themselves as career terrorists - but who are in fact nothing more than career criminals - care not a jot for the people of Lurgan or wider Northern Ireland society. If they did they would cease their activities immediately and let people live their lives and focus on those things that matter - healthcare, employment and education.
“The PSNI do a difficult job and I have nothing but respect for the way they go about their business. I just hope our judiciary can keep pace with this no nonsense approach and deliver sentences fit for purpose on those associated with this type of activity where a case is proven and people are convicted.”