‘Acts of terror will never define our community’ – Johnston

Praise for courage of gardaí who intercepted bomb in Carrick

The “extraordinary courage” of Gardaí who intercepted a vehicle carrying an explosive device on the N2 near Carrickmacross on Wednesday, July 22 last, has been commended by the Chair of the County Monaghan Local Community Safety Partnership.

Speaking as the LCSP met in Carrickmacross last Thursday (July 30), Cllr Alan Johnston (FG) said he wanted to express the law and order body’s “profound relief and sincere gratitude” to the gardaí for the manner in which they dealt with the incident.

“This was an act of terrorism, which I condemn in the strongest and most unequivocal terms,” stated the Chairperson.

“There can be no justification for actions that place innocent members of our community at such grave risk. Those responsible showed a complete disregard for human life and for the safety and wellbeing of everyone who lives, works and travels in our county.”

The Partnership agreed to Cllr Johnston’s proposal to write to Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly and Garda Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern of the Louth, Cavan and Monaghan Division “recognising the dedication and bravery of all those involved in protecting our community, preventing a catastrophic explosion and placing themselves at personal risk in the service of others”.

It was also agreed to write to Monaghan Garda Superintendent Pat O’Connell expressing appreciation for the outstanding service of the garda members involved in the operation.

Cllr Johnston said the “extraordinary courage and professionalism” of the gardaí who put themselves in harm’s way to stop this vehicle and protect the public undoubtedly prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident.

“History has shown that vehicle-borne explosive devices can detonate prematurely and without warning,” he said.

“Had that occurred, the consequences for innocent road users, nearby residents and emergency responders could have been devastating, with the potential for catastrophic loss of life and serious injury. The risks faced by the gardaí involved in bringing this incident to a safe conclusion cannot be overstated.”

The Chairperson said the LCSP stood firmly with the Gardaí and all emergency services, and rejected all forms of terrorism and violence.

“The people of Monaghan can be assured that acts of terror will never define our community,” Cllr Johnston declared. “We remain united in our support for those who protect us and steadfast in our commitment to peace, public safety and the rule of law.”

Cllr Noel Keelan (SF) said this type of action has no place in the modern Ireland. “Those days are gone and over,” he stated, “and the people responsible for this incident have no place in our society as we move forward to build peace and reconciliation on our island.”

Thanking the LCSP for their full support, Garda Superintendent Pat O’Connell also commended the gardaí who were the first responders to the incident, and the members of the force leading the investigation into suspected terrorist-related activity, those in the national units and in the local units who were ably supporting them.

“This incident is of a most serious nature,” Supt O’Connell continued. “Matters are now before the courts. From that point of view, I do not wish to make further comment at this time.”