Police Alert Politicans Over Threats

Two separate political parties in Northern Ireland are now under threat from different paramilitary organisations.

Members of both the SDLP and Sinn Fein have been targeted and it is believed the threat to the SDLP comes from a well-known breakaway group of the Ulster Defence Association, (UDA).

An SDLP spokesman said police had warned them that elements within the southeast Antrim area were planning an attack on a member of the party.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein has said its councillors in Belfast have again been threatened by a group of so-called dissident republicans.

Those who have received them include the (now) widow of former Sinn Fein councillor and leading republican, Martin Meehan, who died earlier this month.

Sinn Fein north Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said: "Threats have been issued to Belfast Sinn Fein councillors, including those sitting on the District Policing Partnership in recent days.

"There have also been threats made against a number of other republicans across the city including those who have given many years to the republican struggle and their local communities.

"These threats are coming from people who claim to be republicans."

"They are the same people who made repeated threats to the wife of Martin Meehan, Briege, in the days before his sudden death."

Speaking on Thursday, an SDLP spokesperson said: "Our headquarters has contacted all elected representatives, staff and membership to make them aware of the need to step up their personal security."

See: Dissidents Threaten Both Police And SF

(BMcC)