The owner of a Derry hotel where a bomb was defused last weekend has cancelled a police recruitment event because of safety concerns.
The event had been scheduled for last Saturday, but was put back for a week because the hotel had already been booked for a wedding reception.
The hotel was evacuated last Friday following a warning that a bomb had been placed in the grounds. Following a search operation, the PSNI said a viable improvised explosive device was found concealed in a hedge beside the Waterfoot Hotel, which is located in the Waterside area of Derry at the eastern end of the Foyle Bridge.
The hotel owner, Garvan O’Doherty, said yesterday the police event would not be going ahead on Saturday. He said he took the decision based on his responsibility as an employer for the safety of his staff and customers.
Following discussions with senior police officers, Mr O’Doherty confirmed the hotel would not be available for the PSNI function.
“Anyone who knows me knows I am not the sort of person who backs down. They know me as a realist, as an employer who must take into consideration the safety and wellbeing of my staff and customers. I have been in business in this city for over 30 years and I am responsible for 300 employees.”
Attack
He said he had engaged in many private and public initiatives aimed at bettering society.
“What happened in the Waterfoot Hotel last weekend was an attack on our society and my staff members and the police are members of our society. I cannot and I will not engage in any business activities which places them in danger. Equally, I will not engage in any business activities which place my customers in danger.
“It is for those reasons, and for those reasons alone that following consultations with senior police officers this morning, I have taken this decision. It is a decision based on people, not on profit.”
He said that, according to the police, the device found in the grounds had the potential to kill.