A SENIOR DUP politician has said Sinn Fein must follow through on their pledge to tackle dissidents republicans, after the Real IRA renewed its threat against police and security forces at a rally in Londonderry on Monday.
Jeffrey Donaldson said it was “important” that mainstream republicans “use their influence” to stop any support for the dissident republican campaign.
On Monday night six men were arrested in Londonderry over the commemoration at which a masked man said Oglaigh na hEireann “will continue to attack Crown forces personnel and installations”.
The six men were last night released without charge.
“When you hear what these dissidents have to say, it comes as no surprise, it is the same rhetoric, but must still be taken seriously,” said Mr Donaldson.
“I welcome the statement from mainstream republicans saying they must challenge the dissidents.
“They must follow through on this and use their influence to show that there is no place for any armed struggle and they must also do everything they can to make those involved in this terrorist campaign amenable to the law.”
The Lagan Valley MP also responded to the reconciliation call from Sinn Fein chairman Declan Kearney.
“Again these are just words, we will have to wait to see what actions will follow,” said Mr Donaldson.
“So far their argument has focused on those who were killed by police or security forces.
“They have to recognise that it was they – the IRA – who carried out the vast majority of the murders, and yet we have seen nothing in terms of reconciliation.”
And he added: “You only have to think of the Smwithwick Tribunal and Kingmills. The IRA have never owned up to Kingsmills and a senior Sinn Fein official has yet to give any evidence to Smithwick.
“If they are serious about reconciliation then they must come forward with the truth.”
Mr Donaldson said his party had not had any behind-the-scenes discussion with Sinn Fein over the reconciliation initiative.