Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

CRJ Continue to Provide Valuable Service Despite Threats - Flynn

Published: 31 October, 2008

Sinn Féin's Anthony Flynn has called for an end to the threats from dissident republicans against Community Restorative Justice workers. This follows recent threats against CRJ workers in Belfast.

Mr Flynn has stated that those behind the threats are out of touch with the local community and should not deter people from availing of similar CRJ facilities in Newry and Armagh.

Speaking today Mr Flynn said:

"This is a vital service and one that the community use on a daily basis with over 1,500 cases across the six counties being dealt with last year. This only goes to show the strong support from the community for the work that is being carried out by the organisation.

"CRJ works in very difficult circumstances towards making our communities a safer place to live. To be threatened like this is unacceptable.

"It is also a service that delivers real solutions to anti-social behaviour and improves the quality of people's lives. Following repeated attempts to cut back restorative justice projects from many quarters, CRJ has endured and are now stronger. They are undertaking an incomparable job in helping local communities"

"These threats must be lifted immediately. Those behind them should listen to the demands and needs of the local community that these so-called dissidents say they are representing. It is clear they are very out of touch."