Statement by TUV Comber councillor Stephen Cooper:
“Confirmation from the Health Minister that over one hundred medically-trained military personnel will be deployed in Northern Ireland should be welcomed by everyone across the country.
“Calling upon H.M. Forces’ medics in this fashion reflects the mounting pressure our health service is under. It is a sobering fact that such a measure is necessary to alleviate the increasing workload within our hospitals at present.
“That said, I am reassured to know that as part of the United Kingdom we can rely upon such support and any politicisation of this from Republicans should be treated with the contempt it deserves.
“The expertise and professionalism of our armed forces is recognised across the world and this will provide comfort and respite to health trusts.”