merrion street

Following the murderous attempt on the life of Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, I spoke with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on security matters and co-operation this afternoon.

As Ministers with responsibility for security in our respective jurisdictions, we discussed the current and ongoing co-operation between An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland who, as always, are working closely together.

I know from the regular briefings I am receiving from the Garda Commissioner that no effort or resource will be spared by the Gardaí in that important work.

I reassured the Secretary of State that the Government and An Garda Síochána will provide any support necessary to find and bring to justice those who carried out this cowardly attack on Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell.

Our thoughts remain with Detective Chief Inspector Caldwell and his family, as well as his colleagues in the PSNI and the community in Omagh.

It is vital that the perpetrators are brought to justice and I urge anyone with any information to contact the police. 

This appalling crime is a reminder that there are still those in our communities who have no regard for human life and no respect for the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people on this island who want to live in peace. 

As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we must and will ensure they fail in their attempts to disrupt the peace we enjoy and the shared future we are building together on these islands.