Reaction to dissident attacks

Political figures have been giving their reaction to the weekend attacks which are being blamed on dissident republicans.

Northern Ireland Security Minister Paul Goggins

Very clearly these people are trying to undermine the progress that has been made in Northern Ireland in recent years. When attacks like these happen it brings people together with the strong message that these dissidents will not succeed. They are a small minority, they are reckless and criminally intent.

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott

We have said from day one that the terrorist situation is severe. We have substantial resources being put into investigating and thwarting these attacks. This attack is an attack on the well-being of everybody in Northern Ireland. This is not about an attack on policing or the Policing Board, this is an attack on young people and young people's future.

Policing Board Chairman Barry Gilligan

This attack last night was an attack upon the entire community not only the 19 members of the Policing Board but also the staff who work in that building are working on behalf of the community in holding the chief constable to account. We will continue to work on behalf of the entire community to deliver that effective and efficient police service which they demand and which they are entitled to.

SDLP Policing Board member Alex Attwood

It appears that the dissidents are broadening the scale of their attacks on democracy. The community must now broaden the scale of its response to the attacks and help the police with all information that may assist the prosecution of those responsible.

Sinn Fein assembly member Gerry Kelly

The Policing Board is made up of locally elected politicians and members of the public working to hold the PSNI to account. This attack is an attack not just on the Policing Board members but on the communities who elect them. It is unacceptable and I condemn it.

Alliance deputy leader Naomi Long

Those who are trying to create a climate of fear cannot be allowed to win. The best way to combat these thugs is to make devolution work and show everyone that it won't be destabilised by anything.

DUP assembly member Ian Paisley Jnr

These criminals have nothing to offer the community other than death, violence and bloodshed. They have no support within the wider community and are utterly beneath contempt.

Ulster Unionist assembly member Tom Elliott

These terrorists need to be pro-actively dealt with by the security services and not allowed to carry out their murderous attacks at will.