Alliance slams firebomb thugs

10.07.55am GMT Wed 1st Nov 2006

Belfast Alliance Councillor, Tom Ekin

Former Belfast Lord Mayor, Tom Ekin, has hit out the thugs who carried out last night's firebombings at stores on the Boucher Road in South Belfast, and at a store in Ann Street in the city centre. It is thought that the firebombs were planted by dissident republicans.

The South Belfast Alliance Councillor said: "I have nothing but contempt for the thugs who carried out these firebombings.

"Such incidents hit local businesses hard and hit local people hard too, because many jobs are affected. It is shocking to think that 50 jobs may be lost due to the attack on Homebase alone.

"These firebombings are disgraceful and utterly pathetic. The thugs who carried out these attacks are making no contribution to society other than losing jobs for local people.

"The police predicted such attacks might happen in the run up to the 24 November devolution deadline. I call on anyone with information on these incidents to contact police immediately in order to prevent further mindless attacks.

"Lets make sure that these wreckers do not stop us from gaining the prizes of devolution and long-term peace for everyone in Northern Ireland."

ENDS