Ireland not under increased security

Security chiefs have been quick to reassure the Irish public about their safety after ISIS named Ireland among the ‘coalition of devils’.
ISIS made the claim earlier this week in a propaganda video.
The video included Ireland’s tricolour among 60 flags of nations that ISIS claimed were enemies, who were against its plans to establish its own caliphate.

These nations including the UK, the US, France, Australia, Canada, Japan and Italy.
The video led to a top Irish security analyst to warn that Ireland may be seen as the ‘weakest link in Europe’.
Former Irish Army Captain Tom Clonan had said that ISIS would be seeking out weak security spots and that Ireland would fit that description.
He told the Irish Mirror: “In launching an attack on Paris they exploited a perceived weakness in the intelligence relationship between Brussels and Paris…. they looked for the gap in the hedge.
“They are picking security weak spots, they are not going to go for the most secure, defended protected target. Their modus operandi is to go for weakness.
“And guess what? Ireland is Europe’s weakest link when it comes to security, defence and intelligence.
“Ireland is also the global headquarters for Facebook, Google and Twitter. We have Shannon Airport where 2.2 million US troops have passed through.
“So if you were the bad guy how would you see Ireland now that we are named amongst the 60 devils? Ireland is a very attractive target for these people.”
However, a spokesman for the Department of Justice said that the country should not feel under any more or less threat than before the video from ISIS had been released.
He said: “The nature of the threat from international terrorism is kept under constant review and its assessment is primarily a matter for An Garda Síochána.
“The minister and the Garda Commissioner maintain regular, ongoing contact on security matters. Members of the National Security Committee are in regular contact and have scheduled meetings as required.”
Following the Paris attacks the Garda released a statement saying: “The threat level in this jurisdiction remains unchanged and the threat environment in this jurisdiction at the moment can be described as one where an attack is possible but not likely.”
The position has not changed despite the content of the video released by ISIS earlier this week.
The video had threatened the allies of the United States, and also claimed that US troops had become demoralised after years in Afghanistan and Iraq.
It said: “There’s your coalition of devils with Iran, Turkey and Russia joining the fray. That’s because the Millah of Kufr (unbelievers) will also unite you to fight the truth.
“So bring it on – all of you. Your numbers only increase us in faith.
“We’re counting your banners, which our prophet said would reach 80 in number and then the flames of war will finally burn you on the hills of death.
“Bring it on… Gather your allies. Plot against us and show us no respite.”