Northern Ireland

The recent upsurge in dissident republican activity is a cause for concern but we should try and keep it in perspective.

The people perpetrating this recent violence, and probably planning more, have no constituency. They represent no community and no strand of public opinion. They represent only the past and not the future.

The people of Northern Ireland have spoken and chosen peace, democracy and leaders who can work together for the common good. For those of us who love Ireland, north and south, we hope that all sides of the community will continue to reject these extremists who offer nothing but a return to dark passages and sad days.