Mr Major’s Comments on the IRA Shooting of a Soldier – 12 February 1997

Below is the text of Mr Major’s comments on the news of a soldier being shot by the IRA, made outside the Hilton Hotel in London on 12th February 1997.

PRIME MINISTER:

Tonight has brought the terrible news that a soldier has been shot dead in Armagh – presumably another victim of the murderous efforts of the IRA. My heart goes out to his family. How many more victims must there be before the evil men responsible recognise the utter futility of their terrorism?

Meanwhile, the deadly hypocrisy of Sinn Fein’s talk of peace is yet again fully exposed. Let me make two promises tonight:

– There will be no hiding place for the culprits – none at all.

– And I will not be deflected from the real search for a lasting settlement and peace in Northern Ireland.