07/02/2008

Republican 'No Hopers' Slammed

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness has described republican dissidents as "no hopers who want the Army back on the streets".

Police checkpoints were put in place on Wednesday amid fears a major attack is being planned by dissidents.

First Minister Ian Paisley said concerns about the threat had cast a shadow over today's North-South Ministerial council meeting in Dundalk.

However, after he arrived at the meeting, Deputy First Minsiter, Mr McGuinness said: "There are still people within our society who believe that violence is the way forward.

"Well my message to them is they who believe that are no-hopers.

"They are people who are going nowhere and they are people who are totally and absolutely detached from the reality of life on this island at this time."

(BMcC)

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