Minister Ahern condemns attack on Denis Bradley

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., has said that those responsible for the attack on the Vice-Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in Derry last night were enemies of all of the people of Ireland.

“Denis Bradley is recognised across the community as a true Irish patriot who has worked tirelessly to achieve reconciliation on this island and whose personal courage and integrity has been an example to all.”

“Denis Bradley's role in opening up a new era for policing in Northern Ireland has been one of the outstanding achievements of the peace process.   He has taken personal risks and defied intimidation and threats to do so.   The work of Denis Bradley, his colleagues on the Policing Board and the other institutions of the police has been described by outside observers as unparalleled in the history of policing.”

“The perpetrators of this cowardly attack and those who took part in the ensuing attacks on police belong to the past, in the same way as those who were involved in sectarian attacks and riots all summer belong to the past.   They are enemies of all of the people of Ireland.” 

ENDS+++
Press Office
21 September 2005