Cameron pledges commitment to North

British Prime Minister David Cameron today warned dissident republican terrorists that his government’s commitment to the North and the peace process was absolute.

On his first visit to Belfast since taking office, the Conservative leader pledged his full support to Democratic Unionist First Minister Peter Robinson and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and their efforts to lead the region’s power-sharing administration.

“Let me say this to those people who still want to wreck progress and peace in Northern Ireland, that taking part in terror will not achieve anything apart from misery,” he said after meeting the ministers in Stormont Castle.

“Our commitment to Northern Ireland, our commitment to the devolved institutions, is absolute.

“Terrorism, acts of violence, acts of terrorism achieve nothing except misery, we are committed to the peaceful progress – such big steps have been taken over these last 13 to 15 years – we want that to continue.

“That is the future for Northern Ireland, that’s what my government wants, that’s what the Deputy First Minister and First Minister want so badly and that’s what we are all together committed to achieve.”

Violent extremists intent on destabilising the Stormont administration continue to launch sporadic attacks on members of the police service and key state buildings, including courts and police stations.

Mr Cameron was accompanied on his visit to the North by new secretary of state Owen Paterson.

After the 45-minute meeting with Mr McGuinness and Mr Robinson, the Prime Minister and Mr Paterson went on to meet the leaders of the other minor parties in the powersharing executive – the Ulster Unionists (UUP), the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and the Alliance Party.