I really do not want this blog to become overly political, but in light of recent events here in Northern Ireland it would be inappropriate not to comment on what is happening and what people are saying. And from what I have been reading on various news sites people are saying alot - mostly good common sense - but also some really stupid, ignorant stuff from those who have absolutely no idea at all.

One thing is certain though, just about everyone has an opinion on Northern Ireland right now.

Sadly last night a police officer was ambushed and murdered in the town of Craigavon – the first policeman to be killed by IRA terrorists since 1997. The other night a group of young soldiers were killed in the same manner – by the Real IRA – last night’s murder was claimed by a splinter-group called the Continuity IRA. Which raises one question…

These criminals hide behind this ‘united Ireland/British out’ thing – and yet they are so UNunited in themselves that they have to form their own little murderous cliques in order to operate. The reason is because the fight for a better way of life here is not on any agenda of theirs, just murdering as many people as they can – British troops, policeman and even people from their own communities…actually especially people from their own communities.

The people here right now are determined that these recent events will NOT result in revisiting the dark days of the Troubles; they do not want retaliations; they do not want a return to the suspicion and fear. People are shocked and saddened today but not looking for revenge when once they might have done.

We do not want to see large numbers of soldiers on the streets here anymore in fact the numbers of troops here had been reduced to just 5000 from a one-time figure of 30,000; armed watchtowers had been demolished – the army helicopters don’t buzz over certain areas anymore. In order to maintain this we have to support the police – the PSNI – in their role of finding the criminals who committed these acts of terror. This should not be a job for the army but the police can only succeed if the public cooperate – all people from all communities.

In any civilised country a good police force has the support of it’s citizens; Northern Ireland has to stand among them.