Time For Thought this christmas !

Christmas is a time of joy fun and laughter, but christmas is also a time of sadness and sorrow.

Just take a few moments this christmas to remember our POWS at home and abroad and there poor families who have to suffer the heartbreak of not having there loved one with them at christmas.

Also can we remember the many EX POWS this christmas especially the ones who dont have much. Take time to call with them bring them a gift or have a yarn with them let them know there always remembered and not forgotten.

Finally christmas is a time that effects the old and vulnerable members of our communities make some time available to visit your elderly neighbour to see if they are alright or need anything etc etc as with all the cold and harsh weather we are having at present they might feel alone and isolated from society.

Fermanagh 32csm would like to wish all our friends families and supporters, the Republican POWS in Maghaberry, Portlaoise and abroad a Merry christmas and a Happy New Year hoping that next year will bring us a step closer to the All Ireland Republic we so deeply cherish.

An phoblacht abu

Beir bua

UUP Assembly Member Calls for Armoured PSNI Helicopters for Fermanagh

The use by the PSNI of commercial helicopters to cope with dissident activity in Co Fermanagh on four occasions has cost the PSNI a whopping £52,000.

The figures were released by the local Ulster Unionist Assembly member , Tom Elliot who questioned whether rising costs, associated with the ongoing dissident threat, might necessitate specialist helicopters, rather than private hire.

He remarked; "Having requested information on the use of helicopters across the provence, it emerged that a commercial helicopter had been used on four occasions in Fermanagh since April at a cost of £52,000.

" Unfortunately, the PSNI have declined to provide my party with any additional details of helicopter use in other areas and expense incurred, due to security related sensitivities."

He went on; " While we appreciate PSNI concerns, the Ulster Unionist Party is committed to ensuring that our Police officers are are fully resoursed to tackle the dissident threat, Operations against dissident terrrorists shoul;d in no way be hindered by inadequate equipment or equipment that is so costly it could effect the long term viability of future operations.

" Only this week", he added, i have received a report that dissidents have got there hands on surface to air missiles and are in the planning to target Police Helicopters.

" In this context, the use of private helicopters becomes increasingly worrying. It is vital that the lives and limbs of our Police officers are protected as far as possible. In my mind fully armoured helicopters offering more protection, would be the best resourse to do this."

Mr Elliot said he would be asking his collegues on the Policing board to look into the cost associated with private helicopters hireand whether a tendering process would be a more cost effective way to manage escalating costs.

" What is clear is that the situation is very serious indeed. Swift and concerted action is needed to rid Northern Ireland of these criminals intent on dragging us backwards."

He said the UUP remained committed to giving the nessesary support and assistance to PSNI officers to keep peace a reality for the people of Northern Ireland.

Taken from Fermanagh Herald paper 9/12/09