07/01/2013

SDLP MLA Receives Bullet Death Threat

The SDLP’s Patsy McGlone has become the latest Northern Irish politician to receive a death threat as part of the ongoing dispute over the flying of the union flag at Belfast City Hall.

The Mid Ulster MLA has revealed a suspicious package was found by staff at the Mallusk Post Office sorting office.

It contained a 9mm bullet with a sympathy card containing his name and picture.

Mr McGlone described the perpetrators as "faceless fascists".

"This is obviously not something that is a pleasant experience, for me or my family, however, those who sent it will not put me off doing my job – that is representing the people of Mid Ulster," he said.

"I would like to pay tribute to the staff at the Post Office and the PSNI for their professionalism and vigilance in dealing with this matter. I will leave this in the hands of the CID.

"I’m acutely aware that a number of other elected representatives -from my own party and others- have had similar threats and attacks on their homes and properties, they have come through this and I will come through this stronger. Democracy will come through this stronger."

The SDLP has received various attacks and death threats since the nationalist majority at Belfast City Hall voted to restrict the flying of the union flag on top of the building.

"Whoever is responsible for this attack and others are faceless fascists. There is no other way to describe them," Mr McGlone said.

"They are not going to detract us as democratic nationalists to represent our constituents and contribute to the betterment of society."

(IT)

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