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

Criminals masquerading as having a political agenda are unwelcome in South Armagh - Murphy

Published: 3 February, 2010

Sinn Féin MP for Newry/Armagh, Conor Murphy has said that much of the crime and attacks on community buildings in South Armagh have been carried out by 'criminals masquerading as having a political agenda'. Mr Murphy was speaking after a man was assaulted during the robbery of a Post Office in Dromintee this morning.

Mr Murphy said;

"Criminal activity in South Armagh has increased in recent months. A businessman's shed was set alight after he refused to be extorted by people purporting to represent a political group. Diggers have been used to steal ATMs from shops and banks. This morning a man was assaulted by thugs who robbed the Post Office in Dromintee.

"Some of the criminals responsible for these incidents are masquerading as having a political agenda. The community here should be under no illusion as to what is happening.

"The people responsible are not political. They are not republicans. They make these bogus claims to somehow legitimise their actions.

"They are unwelcome in South Armagh as they offer nothing but extortion and crime."

His party colleague Sinn Féin councillor Packie McDonald has condemned the robbery of Dromintee Post Office and the attack on a man present at the time.

Cllr McDonald said;

"I understand that a man was found with head injuries in Dromintee Post Office after being seriously assaulted this morning. The injuries had been inflicted by criminals who were robbing the Post Office.

"This is the second time in six weeks that this Post Office has been robbed. It seems that those responsible feel that the village Post Office is a vulnerable target.

"The thugs responsible are unwelcome in our community and must be brought to justice immediately.

"I would appeal to anyone with any information to come forward immediately."