Dissidents intent on causing violence and terror in communities North and South will not prevail – Currie

Dissidents intent on causing violence and terror in our communities will not prevail in undermining the hard won gains of the Northern Ireland peace process, according to Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie.

Senator Currie was speaking as it emerged the terrorist threat level in the North has been raised from substantial to severe following an ongoing process of monitoring by the British Intelligence Agency, MI5.

Senator Currie, a member of the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, said: “At a time when we are about to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we remember the efforts and leadership by the Irish and UK Governments and supporters internationally that made peace possible after decades of violence, loss of life and destruction in Northern Ireland.

“We should also never take that hard-won peace for granted and the progress that has been made in subsequent years on foot of the Agreement.

“Today’s development of a raised threat level in the North and comes after an increase in levels of terrorism activity, which has targeted members of the PSNI and could potentially endanger the lives of people in communities once again.

“Cross-border cooperation between security forces continues to play a crucial role in preventing attacks and vigorously pursuing those intent on causing harm and terror in society.

“These criminals should also know that they will never prevail in undermining and destabilising the ongoing effort related to the Good Friday Agreement and fostering improved British-Irish relations.”