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"I know from the groundswell of public opinion during the consultation process just how upset many people have been by the constant abuse of fireworks. What should be a source of entertainment has, in many areas, become a public nuisance,"
We are now in the month of April and I have just heard from the PM's office. They apologise for overlooking the campaign in their recent meeting with MPs and promise to include us in the future. At last they recognise that we represent people in all parts of the UK and many national organisations. We also have over 33 years experience of dealing with people who are suffering with firework problems and directly negotiating with Ministers, Civil servants, and MPs.
Northern Ireland Security Minister announces a ban on retail sales The Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy has gone ahead and carried out her promise to ban the retail sales of fireworks. Acting on behalf of the people of the Province Ms Kennedy said last October that she had had enough of the problems that fireworks had caused right across Northern Ireland. She was able to go ahead with a ban because a licensing scheme for firework displays already exists in the Province. Licensing fireworks in all other grades would mean that they would no longer get into the hands of hooligans. If they did there was a hefty fine of £5000 to pay. The licensing requirement would control who would be allowed to have fireworks. As a result, she would not be getting rid of fireworks completely, as the industry would have people believe.
Ms Kennedy said, "I know from the groundswell of public opinion during the consultation process just how upset many people have been by the constant abuse of fireworks. What should be a source of entertainment has, in many areas, become a public nuisance. In particular many elderly people and pet-owners are distressed every year by fireworks being let off by young people and thrown into gardens or doorways, frequently late at night. Families across Northern Ireland will still be able to enjoy fireworks in a controlled and safe way. But the action I have taken today will help to ensure fireworks are used for entertainment, rather than to injure, maim or distress the elderly, those living alone or helpless animals".
The law in the Republic of Ireland prohibits the sale of fireworks to anyone other than professional display operators.
At last part of the UK represents the true wishes of its people and is doing the right thing. When are we going to do it in the rest of the United Kingdom.
Best wishes,
Noel April 2002
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