The Five Demands

Real IRA behind Derry bomb – PSNI (UTV)
A senior police officer says that he is confident the Real IRA or Óglaigh na hÉireann are responsible for Wednesday night’s bomb attack outside the City of Culture offices in Londonderry.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin told UTV that it is “only a matter of time before dissident republicans kill police or civilians.”
Police received a warning at 9.45pm on Wednesday and upon arrival, discovered a rucksack-type bag lying at the door of the City of Culture offices.
They evacuated the area and the bomb exploded an hour later, before army technical officers arrived to deal with it.
Chief Supt Martin, District Commander, described the bomb attack as “sheer senselessness and madness.”
Not only is it a senseless attack, but what comes with it is a real risk of hurting people.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Martin
He said that only 15-16 yards away people were socialising in a pub with many of them smoking outside.
No-one was injured in the incident, but damage was caused to property. Doors, shutters and the interior of the offices were damaged and glass was broken in nearby buildings.
“My broad reaction is one of condemnation but also relief,” the senior police officer said.
“Relief, first and foremost, that no-one was hurt, that the area was evacuated; that the police officers who went there and put themselves in harm’s way were able to do the job that we all require of them and that none of them got hurt.”
He said the alert was caused by “a senseless small number of anti-peace Republicans.”
Earlier, the security cordon was reduced around the Guildhall area and a number of road closures were lifted.
It’s the second attack on the city centre office in a year.
In January, dissident republicans planted a device which detonated causing minor damage to the exterior.
Chief Supt Martin said he was “worried” about further attacks on the city as preparations are made for City of Culture 2013.
There has been widespread political condemnation of the attack.
“It’s an unfortunate thing but we all have to give our support to the police to apprehend those who are responsible,” East Londonderry DUP MP Gregory Campbell said.
“I don’t know what it’s going to take to get them to stop. Their predecessors failed in over 30 years of doing this kind of thing, so I don’t know why they think they will succeed where others failed,” he added.
Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan said those responsible for the device “have shown complete and utter contempt for the city”.
Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney has said those who left the device have nothing to offer people here.
“Such attacks are futile and will achieve absolutely nothing other than to disrupt the lives of people in Derry as they try to go about their daily business,” he said.
“Staff at the City of Culture offices are working night and day to attract investment, tourism and job creation for the citizens of Derry. And working to ensure that Irish culture in fully included in the plans for Derry in 2013.
“The last thing the people of Derry want are incidents like this taking place which is attempting to undermine that good work.”
Mr McCartney said that whoever is behind this attack “need to step forward and explain their actions.”
Ulster Unionist Party leader Tom Elliott has also condemned those responsible.
Mr Elliott said: “It is shameful that we continue to have people who are determined to bring death and destruction to Northern Ireland. Surely it’s time that these paramilitaries realised they don’t have support for their actions.
“While many are attempting to ensure that this province is a progressive society and working hard to develop sustainable communities, these terrorists want to destroy that good work. I say shame on them for their actions.”
Alliance Policing Board member Trevor Lunn MLA has expressed his outrage.
“I am disgusted and appalled at the actions of a small group of people who wish to see violence like this return to our streets.
“This bomb could have injured or killed but those behind it do not care about the consequences of their actions.”
He added: “The people behind this bomb attack obviously do not want Derry or its economy to use this opportunity to move forward.”

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