A matter of national insecurity

Political Correspondent Fionnán Sheahan assesses Government preparations for a Madrid-style attack in Ireland and finds the public are right to be worried.

NATIONAL insecurity is arguably an appropriate phrase to sum up the public's confidence in Government efforts to defend the nation from the threat of international terrorism.

Despite 30 years of experience in dealing, often effectively, with paramilitaries from both sides north of the border, the Government reassurances that there is no cause for concern about Ireland being a target for terrorists have been less than credible.