Paras aiming guns at public, SDLP man claims

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen is to meet an SDLP Assembly member for West Fermanagh tomorrow after allegations British…

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen is to meet an SDLP Assembly member for West Fermanagh tomorrow after allegations British army soldiers are pointing their guns at people in the locality.

Mr Tommy Gallagher claims a new paratroop regiment is provoking the community by pointing guns at people and stopping cars without being accompanied by the RUC.

Around 10 or 12 paratroopers also made an incursion into the Republic of Ireland two weeks ago, according to Mr Gallagher. A British army spokesman confirmed the incursion saying it was an "error".

"There has been a heavy presence beyond the norm since the regiment arrived at the start of January", said Mr Gallagher. "These soldiers are trained for war and when they look down the sights of their guns at you, people are understandably afraid."

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Mr Gallagher met with the Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid last week and was given assurances that he would receive details of an inquiry into the incidents soon.

Mr Gallagher is to ask the Government to help him secure the withdrawal of the regiment, based in Enniskillen, from the area.