Reid issues tough warning to dissidents

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid tonight said he is to have an urgent meeting tomorrow with the RUC Chief Constable, Ronnie Flanagan, and security advisors to discuss the worsening violence.

He said he was disgusted by the ‘‘cowardly’’ murder but he warned the response would be tough and uncompromising.

Dr Reid said: ‘‘The bigoted cowards responsible for random sectarian killings have nothing to offer but grief and heartache to the people of Northern Ireland. They must be stopped and they will be stopped.’’