04/01/2002

SDLP assemblyman's home attacked in Larne

A local assembly member whose home has repeatedly come under attack in County Antrim has said he is at his “wits end”.

SDLP assembly member for East Antrim Danny O’Connor’s house came under attack in the early hours of Friday January 4 when three masked men attacked his vehicle and his father’s. Mr O’ Connor who lives with his parents said that since his election to Larne council in 1997 his home has been targeted “at least two dozen times.”

Mr O’Connor said that his mother, and father who is disabled, are at their wits end. He said: “I have no doubt that this attack was the UDA. They represent a small element in the community that are living in the bad old days and want to bring us back to that. These men have not been elected. They do not represent the majority of the community. They are yesterday’s men.”

Mr O’Connor said that because of the attacks the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) had installed bullet-proof windows and bomb-proof doors in his home. Security measures including surveillance cameras are also in use in Mr O’Connor’s constituency office. Speaking about his need for such security measures, the Larne councillor said: “This is not a way to live.”

SDLP councillor for Larne Town Martin Wilson has condemned the attack on Mr O’ Connor as “blatant sectarian hatred.” Mr Wilson said: “I am convinced that this is part of an ongoing campaign by the UDA against the Nationalist people of this area. There is no doubt that the vast majority of people in this town will abhor this attack by the only way to defeat bullies and thugs is to face up to their threat.” (AMcE)

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