28/07/2026
Eastwood Urges Dissidents To End Violence After Gardaí Foil Car Bomb
SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has urged dissident republicans to bring their violent campaign to an end after Gardaí intercepted a car bomb in County Monaghan on Wednesday.
It has been reported the vehicle may have been headed for Derry. Eastwood praised the Garda operation, warning the incident will revive painful memories and reiterating the SDLP's long-standing opposition to violence.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said: "Reports that a car bomb with the capacity to cause death and destruction was intercepted by Gardaí on its way to our city are deeply concerning. It took a significant police operation to intercept this vehicle and prevent a tragedy from taking place and I commend the officers for their efforts.
"This incident will bring back dark memories of our past for many. The SDLP has always been clear that violence of this nature is futile and achieves nothing except harming communities and tearing families apart.
"We have seen an uptick in extreme violence from dissident republicans in recent years and this is another stark reminder of the capability they have to cause harm to innocent people.
"The only way we will move forward is through peace, dialogue and an end to violence of any kind. I urge dissident republicans to listen to the wishes of people across this island and leave the stage for good."
It has been reported the vehicle may have been headed for Derry. Eastwood praised the Garda operation, warning the incident will revive painful memories and reiterating the SDLP's long-standing opposition to violence.
"This incident will bring back dark memories of our past for many. The SDLP has always been clear that violence of this nature is futile and achieves nothing except harming communities and tearing families apart.
"We have seen an uptick in extreme violence from dissident republicans in recent years and this is another stark reminder of the capability they have to cause harm to innocent people.
"The only way we will move forward is through peace, dialogue and an end to violence of any kind. I urge dissident republicans to listen to the wishes of people across this island and leave the stage for good."
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