Omagh killing should strengthen resolve in North

Dear sir - As an elected public representative, I wish to strongly condemn the killing of PSNI Constable Ronan Kerr. This was an appalling act of savagery and brutality on another human being. The deliberate killing of an innocent person is always an outrage, but the killing of a young courageous man who as a Catholic, chose to join the PSNI to help make his community a safer better place to live, is moreso. I hope this act will instead encourage and motivate others to join the PSNI. I wecome the outspoken condemnation by Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness and the support shown by the Ulster GAA Council at the Tyrone match. To his widowed mother Nuala Kerr and her family, I send my heartfelt sorrow. What a way for this courageous mother to remember her Mother's Day. During the past 30 years I did whatever little I could to help bring about a permanent peace in Northern Ireland and I pay tribute to the Julitta Clancy and the Meath Peace Group for their committment to peace in Northern Ireland. We never again wish to return to the bombings and killing of people on this island. I commend Minister Alan Shatter in his condemnation and I hope and pray his outrage and the outpouring of public anger at this killing, will send a strong message to bring an end to these actions by those responsible and to instead persue the democratic process as Republican Sinn Fein has done. I hope in time that Northern Ireland's First Minister, Deputy First Minister and PSNI Chief Constable and his colleagues, will erect a suitable memorial to the memory of this courageous catholic and GAA player who was a credit to his family and community. Who ever is responsible for last Saturday's savage killing of PSNI Constable Ronan Kerr, as an elected non-party councillor, I appeal to you to stop now. Cllr Phil Cantwell, Independent Councillor, Trim Town Council.