Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“While across Great Britain the military are being deployed to protect key sites following Monday night’s horrific attack in Manchester I note that this will not apply in Northern Ireland.
“This is in spite of the fact that there will be an increased police presence at some sites, on the transport network and in places where there are large crowds.
“Given that it was felt necessary to deploy the military in other parts of the UK I would like to understand the logic behind why this is not happening in Northern Ireland. The decision to deploy more police officers suggests that there is a belief that there is an increased threat to public safety in our Province. It would be outrageous if political considerations and a desire not to offend Republicans compromised public safety.”