The impact on the community was one of shock and disbelief that such a young life could be so needlessly and pointlessly taken by those professing to be protectors of the community.

The killing prompted swift responses from local community activists and political leaders of all shades and opinion expressing their sorrow and demonstrating their opposition to those who put guns into the hands of our young people.

Over a thousand people attended a vigil on the spot where Emmett was killed and supported the call for all organisations still involved in violence to "just go away". In the days following the killing a number of community workers got together and agreed to launch a petition calling on those organisations still involved in military struggle to put the guns away and pursue their objectives by political or alternative peaceful means only.

All of this activity took place in the immediate aftermath of Emmett's death with people reacting with genuine anger and frustration that another young life was needlessly taken from his partner, his unborn child and his family.

Things happened very quickly and to be truthful, I have some concerns about using the Derry Journal website for the petition and with some of the wording in the original draft of the petition. It was all a bit rushed.

However, in the main, I felt and still feel that this is the right thing to be doing. I also think however that it is important to put things in context and to me the killing of Emmett Shiels or some other Derry youth was an event waiting to happen.

A couple of months ago I was walking along Ferryquay Street towards the city walls. As I approached I saw a few youngsters aged maybe 12 or 13 years of age. One was pointing towards the Fountain saying "there's two of them now". I looked and saw two older people (a man and a women) walking out of the Fountain towards the city centre.

As I approached one of the group shouted, "Hold your ground men, this is our land". I laughed aloud dismissing his comment as ridiculous. After all what could a 13 year-old know about this land? What's the connection with the killing of Emmett Shiels? For me, young people in this city are struggling with their idea of being republicans.

What does it mean to the youth of today when to all intents and purposes the war is over but young people are still living off the memories of their parents and grandparents who lived, some died and many went to prison for their beliefs. Young people find themselves facing into a future where they are unable to connect with the social, political and cultural mores of a post conflict society. Many feel abandoned, disaffected and cut off from their own communities, hanging on to an idealised past to gain some kind of recognition for their place in a community that has denied them an identity.