US envoy voices concern over loyalist violence

United States President George W Bush’s special adviser on Northern Ireland today underscored Washington concern at the level of loyalist violence in the province.

Speaking ahead of talks with Government ministers in Dublin, ambassador-at-large Richard Haass said the new police service in Northern Ireland had to do everything in its power to halt the renewed terrorism there, which this week led to the murder of young Catholic postman Daniel McColgan.

He declared: ‘‘I am concerned about it. What happened the other day in particular was truly appalling.

‘‘There is no place for that in political life here or anywhere else. Obviously we want to see the police service do everything it can and see leadership across the political spectrum do all it can to de-de-legitimise this sort of action and to see it does not happen again.

‘‘It is important for a majority of all communities to support the peace process for it to succeed.

The American envoy - last in Dublin on September 11 last year, the day of the terrorist attacks on the US - had discussions with Foreign Minister Brian Cowen and his deputy Liz O’Donnell.

Mr Haass refused to comment on the contents of his exchanges but referred to a speech he delivered last week, pointedly urging the need to address the alienation of parts of the unionist community in Northern Ireland in order to bring about a lasting settlement there.

The envoy said the current violence in Northern Ireland was ‘‘not something which comes simply from one direction - it is not the only form of violence Northern Ireland has known’’.

‘‘The police have to deal comprehensively across the board,’’ he added.