Bridget Fox reaction to death of Martin Dinnegan (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Bridget Fox reaction to death of Martin Dinnegan

July 3, 2007 2:10 PM

Writing in the Islington Gazette, Parliamentary Campaigner for Islington South & Finsbury Bridget Fox said:

"Everyone's heart will go out to the family & friends of Martin Dinnegan, killed last week in Holloway. Earlier last week, walking home at night, I passed two girls arguing at a bus stop; I was horrified to see that one of them had a knife. I called 999, the police came immediately, and the girls were safe. It could have been very different.

"Anyone who has worked with young people knows how quickly teenage tempers can flare, how passionate young people feel. That passion can be a force for good - but with a knife in hand, a moment's rage is deadly, and so many lives can be destroyed in an instant.

"It's good to know that Islington Council is funding extra police officers to work specifically with young people and schools. The summer holiday youth programmes will soon be underway. But keeping our young people safe is not just a matter for schools, police and youth clubs. It's for all of us.

"Too often we focus on the minority who cause trouble instead of looking out for the rest. Too often young people are just seen as a problem or a political football. If we can set partisan arguments aside, and as a community value and respect our young people, and help them respect and value each other, then perhaps some good can come out of this tragedy."