The US and UK have issued terrorist alerts for their citizens. Then days ago the Home Office announced that the security threat level from dissident republicans had been increased to 'substantial' after a new risk assessment was received from M15. The Prime Minister is understood to be "quite concerned" about the possible risk of a terrorist attack in Birmingham during the four day Tory conference which began in Birmingham today.
Yet Martin McGuinness is heading to the Conservative Party Conference for the first time - increasing the security headache for police who fear a dissident IRA attack. Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister is scheduled to speak at a fringe event in Birmingham on Tuesday.
It's common knowledge Martin McGuinness held a senior rank in the Provisionals when the organisation bombed the 1984 Conservative Party conference in Brighton killing 5 people and injuring scores of delegates in the Grand Hotel.
First Minister Peter Robinson, the SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie and former Unionist Party leader Sir Reg Empey are also scheduled to speak at the fringe event.
There will be little in the way of a welcome for Mr McGuinness I suspect but why did the Tories invite him? He refuses to take his seat in the House of Commons although he claims relevant expenses. That is the place in which debate should take place. There will be many questioning this decision, particularly when the memories of Brighton are only 26 years old - only a generation. Let us not forget the violence in Northern Ireland continues today.
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14 comments:
"Martin McGuinness is heading to the Conservative Party Conference..."
That'll be the safest day to go.
All that security then they let him in to do a recce of the target.
It's not really like that. The article doesn't say who is inviting him but it could be any group - inside or outside the security zone. Not even an official Tory one...you should try the Spectator fringe meeting which are always very boozy.
If you wrote to, I don't know, think of 3 random politicians, booked a conference room down the road and persuaded the compiler of the Fringe diary that you were relevant enough to the conference....bang there you go SubrosaBlog Conference Fringe Meeting featuring Norman Lamont, Alex Salmond and Vladimir Putin - champagne and canapes served.
It's not the same as him getting an access all areas pass. From the article it's not even clear if he's allowed through the gates (which means he probably isn't)
Maybe Joe, maybe. ;)
That's along my lines of thought RFB.
Only ever having been a couple of times to a party conference ASE, I wasn't aware there was an inside and outside security zone. There was the conference area and that was that.
I'm sorry but I don't buy the 'down the road' business at all. He's the Deputy FM of Northern Ireland, Robinson is FM. Are you telling me they won't be allowed through the gates? I think you're wrong there. McGuinness wouldn't bother coming if it wasn't to his political advantage and he had access to the top.
I wonder how this evil bastard sleeps at night without remembering the grotesque torture regime he instigated, enjoyed and got off on for decades. This sick moron presided over the most horrific acts imaginable perpetrated on men, women and even young kids. That he is where he is is an indictment of how sick we have become as a race and a Nation. The gallows are the only justice he should ever have had to face. The rise of these peoples' sick, gangster fueled terrorism matches exactly our decline, post the repeal of the death sentence legislation.
Agree with every word OR. Why he's been invited anywhere near the Tory conference beats me.
AH guys, yesterday's freedom fighter / terrorists morphs into tomorrows national leader!
Just remember the words of "The Who" in the song revolution - salute the new boss - same as the old boss
He was on TV tonight condemning the bombing of the bank earlier today.
He can condemn what he likes Rosie ,he is still murdering scum to me and I do not believe him if he says black is black let alone that he condemns his own methods.
Shouldn't be allowed to stand for parliament let alone be paid expenses!
I was being cynical mentioning his TV appearance Indy. I agree entirely with you.
Mere mention of any of that load of ...(polite words fail me)...makes my gorge rise Rosie!
I try not to think or talk of them at all...ever...I just hope they will go away for good!
Oh they won't go away Indy, they've far too much to lose, Just remember to keep your ears and eyes open.
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