“Now is *perfect* time to discuss our security”.

This week’s attack on Manchester has rocked us all to the core. On the front page of The New European, cartoonist Gary Barker captures the deep sense of loss perfectly – 22 pink balloons escaping the grasp of a little girl.

Campaigning in the General Election is resuming and the security of our nation will feature in the debate even more strongly than before.

Some have criticised Jeremy Corbyn for bringing this issue to the fore – it is ‘bad timing’ they say.

I cannot think of better timing, myself.

What happened in Manchester, and in Westminster before, is a clear demonstration that we are vulnerable and the protection of our values, our way of life, and of our children should be scrutinised with total transparency and honesty.

It’s not political point-scoring. It’s politics doing what politics should – representing and protecting the citizens of this nation.

In deep respect of the 22, their families and all those injured and otherwise affected by the actions of that sad pathetic no-mark loser (Donald Trump is, for once, perfectly articulate in this regard) we wish you all a peaceful weekend.

Matt Kelly