Sara Canning, the partner of murdered gay journalist Lyra McKee has accused both British and Irish politicians of being complicit in the rise of the ‘new IRA’ due to their negligence.

Speaking to Channel 4 news, Canning has told of how she accused political figures of inaction at the funeral of her partner Lyra last month.

She accused Theresa May of being “massively derelict in her duties to Northern Ireland” and advised Karen Bradly to “go educate herself” following her comments that she was ignorant and “slightly scared” of the sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland.

Canning also claimed that the Northern Irish state is “completely unsuccessful” and suggested a possible link between current political negligence and the rise of the ‘new IRA’, a group she claims to be exploiting young people in the name of a dangerous ideology:

“They literally take young people who are disenfranchised at the best of times, who are living in poverty, who don’t see a future for themselves in Northern Ireland because there is literally very little here for them. And they tell them that the way forward is a gun in their hand. The way forward is never a gun in your hand.”

Marriage equality is another issue Canning has claimed to have fallen by the wayside on account of incompetent politicians, she plans to lead an upcoming rally for the cause in Belfast on May 18.

Watch the full interview below:

Her comments came mere hours before the arrest of four men in connection with Lyra McKee’s murder, in the wake of which senior detective Jason Murphy has released a statement:

“As part of this morning’s operation, detectives carried out searches at four houses in the city and arrested four people in connection with the violence which was orchestrated on the streets of Creggan on the evening of Lyra McKee’s murder. They are currently in custody where they are being questioned.

“I still want to hear from anyone who can tell us anything they know. I would urge anyone who has any information to contact my team of detectives.

“Alternatively, if you would prefer to provide information without giving your details, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”