Saturday, December 5, 2015

Police Constable Ronan Kerr

Police Constable Ronan Kerr - It is terribly sad that this week has ended with the callous murder of Police Constable Ronan Kerr. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. It reminds us all how some sections of Northern Ireland society, despite the obvious progress that has been made, still remains capable of the most inexpicable attitudes and most cruel crimes. Listening this evening to this young man's mother describe her pride in her son, and appeal to others not to be deterred from joining the police, was particularly moving.

Such a contrast to when I attended the football this week at Windsor, to see Northern Ireland play Slovenia. Whilst this in itself isn't usual, the warm affection from the crowd, to a man (and woman) for Celtic player Pat McCourt made a lasting impression on me adn agen poker terpercaya. I had noticed this growing affection before, but this week it was taken to a new level. Don't get me wrong, the Northern Ireland team has always comprised of people from different backgrounds, and the fans have broadly been supportive of all who have played, but this felt a little bit different, it felt like a deliberate positive point was collectively being made. It felt like everyone wanted to send the message that no matter what background, no matter what club side, we are all working together.

Working For Change in East Antrim, Then we had Police Constable Kerr's murder on Saturday. We all know there have been many other fortunate "near misses" in recent months but when a life is lost it always feels completely different. On the radio I hear of talk of dialogue, on the radio I hear talk of negotiations, but all I want to hear is talk of prosecutions, and all I want is justice, for the family of Ronan Kerr and all those other police officers, who live and serve with themselves and their families under threat.

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