West Tyrone councillors receive threats

Sinn Féin Assembly member for West Tyrone Barry McElduff has confirmed that a number of party councillors in the area have received threats including live rounds.

Speaking on Tuesday McElduff said: “Over the weekend a package containing a number of live rounds along with the names of Sinn Féin councillors in West Tyrone was uncovered.

“This is obviously a sinister development but at this stage it is not clear where this threat emanates from.

“Over the course of the past 30 years Sinn Féin elected representatives and members have long been targets of those within the British system and their surrogates.

“However we have never allowed these campaigns to deflect us from our work in bringing about Irish unity and independence and this latest threat will only serve to strengthen our resolve.”

Geraldine Dougan resignation

Commenting on Monday after Geraldine Dougan chose to resign as a member of the party, Sinn Féin Assembly group leader John O’Dowd said:

“Geraldine had already publicly indicated her opposition to involvement in policing structures and people may not be greatly surprised by this latest move. However she had previously stated her desire to stay within the party and take part in the ongoing debate including at an Ard Fheis. In that respect her decision to resign as this consultation process is about to get underway will surprise some.

“It is my firm belief that whatever our differences it would have been better if Geraldine had stayed within the party and took part in the debate which has now been initiated following the Ard Chomhairle decision, however she has made her decision which I respect and I wish her well for the future.”