Ahern: Dissident threats must be taken seriously

WARNINGS of a return to violence by dissident republicans must be taken seriously, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said.

Mr Ahern joined with his Northern counterpart Ian Paisley and the North’s deputy first minister Martin McGuinness in condemning the threats of renewed terrorist activity that have seen a return to police checkpoints and heightened security measures across the border in recent days.

The three men, speaking as the Government met the Northern Ireland executive at a gathering of the North South Ministerial Council in Dundalk yesterday, also appealed to the general public on both sides of the border to work with the gardaí and Police Service of Northern Ireland to beat those intent on destroying the peace.