:: press release ::

October 26, 2008

SAVAGE TOTALLY WRONG TO BLAME STALEMATE FOR VIOLENCE

Alastair Ross MLA has slammed UUP MLA George Savage for his argument that dissidents’ motivation in wrecking havoc in communities last night is due to on going negotiations at Stormont.

Mr Ross said that Mr Savage should know better than to lend some excuse to these republican thugs.

The East Antrim MLA said,

“I am shocked and frankly disgusted that there are some who have made the barmy connection between dissident activity and political stalemate. First we had PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde and now UUP MLA George Savage both coming out with this ludicrous suggestion.

Mr Orde is, in the first instance, wrong to involve himself politically, especially when he makes such bogus claims. Secondly, I would have thought that a man in his position would have the knowledge and understanding that these so called dissident republicans are motivated only by their selfish and destructive agenda.

It is shocking that Mr Orde and Mr Savage would attempt to lend a rationale to dissident terrorists’ behaviour and blame the DUP in any way for their unlawful activities.

What happened last night in Craigavon showcases that these thugs are intent on trying to disrupt the peace and terrorise the local community. There is absolutely no excuse for this.

Mr Orde should concentrate on enforcing the law and convicting these terror-hungry thugs, protect the community and sending out a clear cut message to those responsible for such acts that the people of Northern Ireland have had enough and will not be subject to this latest rampage.

For his part, Mr Savage should be better informed and recognise from his Ulster Unionist Ministers that a political stalemate is is being caused by Sinn Fein alone. Nonetheless, a political stalemate can in no way be made the scapegoat for illegal and terrifying behaviour imposed upon Mr Savage’s own constituents.”