29 August 2001

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Reid ignored warnings about Ballnahinch

Sinn Fein councillor for the Ballnahinch area Francie Braniff has said that he is `in absolutely no doubt' that the UDA were behind the attempt to kill a Catholic family in the town last night.

Councillor Braniff said:

``Last night the UDA attacked a Catholic family in Ballnahinch with two lethal pipe bombs. It was only through good fortune that nobody was killed or injured.

``For some time now the UDA has been involved in an anti-Catholic pogrom in this area. Only a matter of weeks ago I met with the British Secretary of State John Reid and presented him with a dossier of UDA activity in the area.

``It is clear that Mr. Reid has chosen to ignore the reality of this UDA activity instead relying upon a security assessment from Ronnie Flanagan that the UDA and the UFF are still on ceasefire.'' ENDS

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