3 February 2005 Edition

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SF worker harassed at checkpoint for 45 minutes

Sinn Féin MLA Thomas O'Reilly

Sinn Féin MLA Thomas O'Reilly

The holding of a constituency worker for Michelle Gildernew MP at a checkpoint by the British Army for 45 minutes is just the latest example of a relentless campaign against sections of the nationalist community, says Fermanagh MLA Thomas O'Reilly MLA (left).

"There was no legitimate reason for this constituency worker to be kept waiting on the road for the guts of an hour. This was old fashioned intimidation at its worst. The person who was harassed has reported this incident to the civil representative and has supplied times and dates to him."

"This upsurge in crown forces harassment is targeted and deliberate. It reflects the fear by securocrats at the heart of the NIO that Sinn Féin is set to increase its vote once again in the coming Westminster election. This kind of behaviour, which nationalists have taken for granted for decades, is not acceptable. No other political party on this island has to deal with this kind of state sponsored harassment and we shouldn't either, especially given our long standing commitment to the peace process."

O'Reilly is seeking a meeting with the Direct Rule Minister responsible, Ian Pearson, to put these matters to him. "We will be providing times and dates and comprehensive evidence of harassment," he says.

"There is a new confidence in the nationalist community and we won't put up with any more of this intimidation. I will be interested to hear the minister's response and advise anyone else who has been targeted recently to contact my constituency office immediately so we can document incidents."


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