The bullets which were sent in the post to two addresses in Derry yesterday (Monday) represented the clearest possible evidence that those who reject our new policing structures have comprehensively lost the argument over the issue.
While major changes can never be achieved overnight, it should now be obvious that we are moving irreversibly into a new policing era.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is precisely the kind of open, accountable and evenly recruited force which nationalists have been demanding for decades.
It is supervised by the overall Policing Board and a series of district partnerships which reflect the views of all sections of society.
The individuals who serve on these bodies are all making a significant contribution towards the cause of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Rather than enter into any form of meaningful debate over the future of policing, a handful of extremists have set out to blatantly intimidate members of the board and the partnerships.
Their message appears to be that anyone who opposes their evil and discredited tactics must be silenced by threat of violence.
This is fascism in its most basic form.
It is a challenge to the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement and cannot be allowed to succeed.
The dissident republicans who pre-sumably sent the bullets in Derry have not the slightest interest in the development of a fair and respected police service.
They only wish to maintain their own racketeering activities by holding a Mafia-like grip on parts of the country.
In stark contrast, members of the Policing Board and district partnerships are engaged in vital work on behalf of the entire community.
They are entitled to expect the support of all right-thinking people as they face their many responsibilities.
Those who respond by placing live ammunition inside Mass cards deserve nothing but contempt.
