Taxi drivers in firing line
Catholic taxi drivers in Belfast are living in fear of
their lives following attacks by loyalist gunmen which
have left two dead and another injured.
In the latest LVF murder attempt at 3.15am on Tuesday
the desk clerk at the Antrim Road Metro cab company had
a lucky escape when a lone gunman wearing a baseball
cap attempted to fire through the security window. The
weapon apparently jammed and after repeated attempts to
clear the jam, the gunman calmly turned and walked out
onto the Antrim Road.
This is the third, and most serious, attack on the
North Belfast taxi depot. Last Thursday at 2.30am a
British Army bomb disposal team had to tackle an
elaborate device left in the waiting room. Telephone
threats from the LVF were received last Friday and
again on Wednesday. The RUC also informed staff that
they should upgrade their security arrangements because
they had information of imminent attacks on taxi
companies.
Speaking after Tuesday's attack the owner of the
company outlined the fears and anxieties of his staff.
``We are in an extremely vulnerable position. Catholics
are being slaughtered and taxi drivers are the easiest
of options. Most of our drivers are family men striving
under very dangerous circumstances to provide for their
families. Many feel they are being forced out of work
and like the wider nationalist community are very
fearful for the future''.
There is great anger among nationalists that loyalists
can effortlessly cut down so many people seemingly with
impunity; and a deep resentment that the slaughter of
Catholics is constantly described as ``another
tit-for-tat killing''.
Commenting on the attack Sinn Fein Councillor Alex
Maskey said, ``I cannot over-emphasise the urgent need
for all Catholic-owned businesses and licensed premises
to immediately implement watertight security. Last
night's attack is further evidence that loyalists are
intent on continuing their murderous campaign against
Catholics''.
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