Bomb found at UUP peer's house

A bomb has been found at a house in County Louth, which was being built by the Ulster Unionist peer, Eddie Haughey.

Irish police were alerted to the scene shortly after 12.30pm yesterday, after a suspicious device was found at the Drumgooley property belonging to Lord Ballyedmond.

Army Technical Officers were tasked to the scene, where they discovered 70 pounds of homemade explosive mix, packed into a gas cylinder.

It is understood that if the device has gone off, major damage could have been caused, resulting in the property being destroyed.

Dissident republicans are being blamed for the attack.

Commenting on the attack, Ulster Unionist Deputy Leader Danny Kennedy said: “This is an extremely worrying development. This attempted murder was apparently carried out by republican dissidents in the north Louth area and follows on from the recent attacks on major businesses in Newry.

“We express our support to Lord Ballyedmond and his family at this difficult time.

As one of the largest private employers in the Newry area this attack is proof that there are some people who are not prepared to tolerate an industrialist of Eddie’s stature bringing economic prosperity to the area.”

Northern Ireland Office Minister David Hanson, has also condemned the attack.

He said: “This was a cowardly attack on someone who has worked tirelessly to create jobs and bring investment into Northern Ireland.

“His efforts to promote Northern Ireland on an international stage contrast sharply with those who left this device at his home and who want to drag us back to the past. Their actions will not succeed.

“I would urge anyone with any information to report it to the authorities.”

The device has been removed for examination by forensic detectives.

(EF)