A dark day

Last night's murders of two soldiers near Antrim in Northern Ireland were a stomach-churning reminder of the past.

Once again, the Province's name is in the news for the worst of reasons and two families have been bereaved because of the actions of gangsters unwilling to accept that their time has gone.

Clearly, one has to hope that this incident is a one-off although, sadly, this is unlikely.

We've already had statements of condemnation from most of the principal political figures and organsiations in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. But, as I write this, we are yet to hear from Sinn Fein.

Northern Ireland watchers will know that, earlier in the week, Martin McGuinness described the re-arrival of Army special forces in the Province as "a major threat." This despite the fact that these individuals had been requested by Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde specifically to take on those dissident republicans almost certainly behind last night's attack.

I would be very surprised if, over the course of the day, Sinn Fein does not issue some form of condemnatory statement but I hope it is unqualified and I hope it is clear.

Whilst political differences will always remain in Northern Ireland - as they do in every other democratic country on the planet - it is vital for all players to accept the rule of law in all circumstances.

That includes Sinn Fein.