Last week I joined with young people, parents and teachers, at LismoreCollege, to celebrate the academic success of the future generation of Derry.
As I addressed those present, I spoke about their future opportunities and their aspirations for a City which has so much to offer.
On Tuesday morning, terrorists once again attempted to shatter that future. In the early hours, police officers worked against the clock to make sure residents and visitors to the City were kept safe from the actions of those who yet again showed a complete and total disregard for the safety of others.
Thankfully the two police officers who were caught up in the blast were not badly injured, no thanks to those whose reckless intentions were only ever going to kill, maim or destroy.
The damage caused to tourism and investment in the City is difficult to measure. The money required to repair the damage will probably run into millions; money that will not now be available to reinvest back into the local area which so badly needs it.
As I listened to the words of condemnation from local people, visitors, elected representatives and business owners it is so difficult to understand why people, no doubt some of whom live in the City, would inflict this terror and misery on their own doorstep, when there is so clearly no appetite for it from the vast majority of local people.
The police officers who stepped out to save life on Tuesday morning in Derry didn’t stop to ask people who or what they were and nor do they, as they go about delivering a personal, professional and protective policing service every day across Northern Ireland.
Your Police Service continues to work tirelessly, night and day, to bring those responsible for such actions to account. I know that there are people who are aware or suspect who these people are and this information is critical.
Once again, I appeal for your support. Help us before another life is lost and another community shattered.
Nobody deserves this. If you don’t do it for yourself, then do it for the next generation.
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