The scene in the aftermath of Saturday night’s explosion in Bishop Street. Pic by North West Newspix
The Foyle MLA said those who carried out the bomb attack – believed to have been the ‘New IRA’ – did not have support from the public to carry out bombings.
Fortunatley, no one was injured when the device exploded in a hijacked car outside Derry’s courthouse on Saturday evening.
In a statement today, the SDLP leader said: “The actions of those reckless individuals and their futile attempts to gain relevance will not deter this great city from flourishing in the post-conflict time in which we live.
“They represent no-one and Saturdays actions do not change that one iota.
“These individuals profess to be fighting for Ireland against the British state. What they fail to understand is that they stand in opposition to the Irish people. That is a battle that they can never win. This city has consistently rejected violence and we will continue to reject it.
“All of us who remain committed to preserving the peace in this place have a duty to reflect on how our current political paralysis is opening the doors for those who foolishly have not listened to the will of people here.
“The current political context is dangerous – our history illustrates that very clearly.
“Those responsible need to listen to the voice of the Irish people. Violence has been firmly rejected by the people of this island.
“No amount of explosives will ever change that.
“In a time where politics is marred with ambiguity and the future uncertain, the overriding truth is that it has never been violence, but ultimately politics which builds the foundations of the future. It is politics which is the most powerful weapon and courage the language of peace.
“We owe so much more to the generations, who against great adversity, made Derry the special place it is today, and we owe it to our children to make sure no person or group is allowed to undo that work,” added Mr Eastwood.
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