Daily Dispatch 29th August 2006

MAGINNESS BACKS FAMILIES OF DUBLIN & MONAGHAN BOMBINGS

SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness has backed a call from the families of the victims of the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings for an apology from the British Government.

Mr Maginness said, “Today’s revelations in the Irish News about the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings raise further questions about the role of the British Government.

“The Dublin and Monaghan Bombings brought the largest death toll of any atrocity of the troubles. We have always expressed our grave concerns over the British Government’s disgraceful lack of cooperation with the Barron Inquiry. There are still many questions that need to be answered.

“The SDLP backs the families’ call for an apology from the British Government but it is not just an apology that is needed - it’s the truth. We need to know the full truth about why the people who perpetrated this atrocity got away with it. We need to know what links they had with British Military Intelligence. The families of the victims deserve these answers and the country demand these questions be answered.”

MAGINNESS - CAUTIOUS WELCOME FOR SECURITY REGULATION

SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness has given a cautious welcome to the government's plan to tighten regulations in thesecurity industry.

Alban Maginness said:

" We need to see exactly what proposals Minister Paul Goggins will bring forward for licensing security companies, but it is common knowledge that there is problem that needs to be dealt with.
Paramilitaries, both North and South have been targeting the security industries as cover for their protection rackets and a way of controlling the retail drugs trade in pubs and clubs."

We need to ensure doormen who are charged with protecting our young people in entertainment venues adhere to the highest professional standards.

The government of the republic has recently introduced controls on the security industry and we will be pressing for a co-ordinated approach to ensure rouge firms or paramilitaries are not able to transfer from one jurisdiction to the other. "

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