24 July 2026

SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has called on dissident republicans to end their campaign of violence. 

He was speaking after the Gardaí intercepted a car bomb in Co Monaghan on Wednesday.

It has been reported the car may have been en route to Derry.

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said:

“Reports that a car bomb with the capacity to cause death and destruction was intercepted by Gardaí on its way to our city are deeply concerning. It took a significant police operation to intercept this vehicle and prevent a tragedy from taking place and I commend the officers for their efforts.

“This incident will bring back dark memories of our past for many. The SDLP has always been clear that violence of this nature is futile and achieves nothing except harming communities and tearing families apart.

“We have seen an uptick in extreme violence from dissident republicans in recent years and this is another stark reminder of the capability they have to cause harm to innocent people.

"The only way we will move forward is through peace, dialogue and an end to violence of any kind. I urge dissident republicans to listen to the wishes of people across this island and leave the stage for good.”