Ekin says hoax bomb shows need for political unity

Former Belfast Mayor Tom Ekin has responded to this morning’s hoax device alert in the Markets area near the city centre by stating that alerts cause major disruption to people’s daily lives. He said that our political leaders must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder to protect the peace and reassure the public.

South Belfast Alliance Tom Ekin said: “Even though this was declared a hoax by the army, it underlines the level of disruption that hoax alerts cause. People have had thirty years of fear – there can be no return to this, as our society has moved on for the better.

“People are understandably wary of suspicious objects following the recent murders in Antrim and Lurgan, and this alert underlines this.

“There can be no return to the days of the troubles when there were security alerts on a daily basis. Our political leaders have shown unity and must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder to protect the peace and reassure the public.”

ENDS