Motion on the Attempted Murder of John Caldwell

A MOTION ON THE ATTEMPTED MURDER OF JOHN CALDWELL

Motion on the Attempted Murder of John Caldwell

This assembly recognises—

• [1] On the 22nd of February, Det Ch Insp John Caldwell was shot 10 times
• [2] The New IRA have since claimed responsibility for the attack
• [3] Det Ch Insp John Caldwell has led investigations into republican paramilitaries in the past

Therefore the assembly resolves to—

• [1] Offer support to Det Ch Insp John Caldwell and his family during this time
• [2] Condemn the attack of Det Ch Insp John Caldwell
• [3] Look into further political efforts to fight sectarianism and paramilitaries

This motion was written by the Rt Hon. Marchioness of Omagh, Dame Lady_Aya,LP LD GCVO DCT MLA PC MLA on behalf of Sinn Féin and cosponsored by the Ulster Borders Party

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-64741854

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-64740066

Ceann Comhairle,

Last month, an off duty member of the PSNI was attacked while finishing up his volunteer position as a coach for an U-15 team in Omagh. As he was putting balls in the back of his vehicle, he was attacked by two gunmen and shot 10 times. While he did survive, he is currently in critical condition in the hospital. In the aftermath of the attack, the New IRA claimed responsibility. While there is still an ongoing investigation, the PSNI does believe that this group is responsible for the attack.

I offer my support to Det Ch Insp John Caldwell and his family during this time. I pray for his recovery. The danger of paramilitaries is not an idle one, despite its lack of visibility often in the public stage of politics. We must stand against the dangers and ideology of these groups.

If we wish to see a better Northern Ireland of tomorrow for us and our children, we must fight against sectarianism in all its forms. I stand today for that Northern Ireland which I hope for and I hope the Assembly agrees.

This reading shall end on the 16th of March at 10PM