Statement

WEIR CALLS FOR RETHINK ON PERSONAL PROTECTION WEAPONS 

Posted on: October 26, 2009

“The shocking events of the attempted murder of a policeman and his partner in East Belfast, shows that after lobbying by the DUP, the Chief Constable is right to order a review into the issue of Personal Protection Weapons. The policy position taken by the former Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, which in effect has led to the removal of a large number of PPWs of former security force members, particularly when seeking renewal beggars belief. There are about 60000 fire arms certificates in Northern Ireland, but only about 900 of these are PPWs of former RUC officers, and about an other 1000 PPWs for ex UDR soldiers, so reducing the number of PPWs has an extremely limited effect on gun control. Similarly, there is no evidence of PPWs being involved in serious crime. On the other side of the coin, removing PPWs is removing protection and reassurance from the brave men and women who defended all of us during the worst years of the Troubles. 

This issue is particularly acute in North Down, which is home to a large number of former security force personel . We have seen dissident Republican activity reaching a more dangerous level than at any time in the last ten years. The attack in East Belfast shows that they are becoming bolder in their activities, and it was clearly designed to send out a signal that they can operate in any part of Northern Ireland. With the current criteria of personal threat or dangerous location very difficult to prove for applicants in North Down, I believe that it is vital that the review changes policy to ensure that those who live in supposed safe areas, such as North Down are protected. It is simple common sense. Government and senior  PSNI figures must be pro-active and change the policy before it is too late and they are left to try and shut the stable door after tragedy has occurred.”