Rural Hatred Grows

Detectives are investigating an overnight attack on the home of an elderly Democratic Unionist Party councillor.

Last night, a normally peaceful, picturesque area of Co Armagh saw a 77-year-old DUP councillor, who lives alone in Tandragee targeted because of his support for ex NI First Minister and former party leader, Dr Ian Paisley.

Woolsey Smyth had his front window smashed and was left an intricately woven hang noose on Tuesday night.

Anti-DUP graffiti was also written outside: "I got up and found my front window had been busted in and went out to find the hangman's noose, which was very neatly made. It is a bit distressing."

He believes the attack was the work of fringe unionists who are opposed to him and the DUP and is certain it is "politically motivated".

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster he said: "I don't need any of this at my time of life.

"I am 77 and have given 25 years service to my community as a councillor and have been awarded the MBE by HM Queen and this is the thanks I get."

His son, Robert, woke the same morning to find graffitti on the wall facing his house which read "Traitor Smyth out, DUP-Sinn Fein".

"I am more able to deal with this but Daddy is 77 and lives in the country on his own, as we lost mummy in 1999," he said.

"I am ex-UDR and my son has just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. We have all given to our country over the years and this is the pay back.

"The irony is that they are using the tactics of the IRA - intimation and threats under cover of night."

Meanwhile, in response to a separate incident, the Chair of Moyle District Policing Partnership, Orla Black, has condemned the recent 'hate crime' attack on a restaurant in Bushmills.

In a statement, she said: "On behalf of Moyle DPP I would like to offer my full support to the victim, Michael Sotirov and his family. The attacks faced by Michael and his family since coming to this area are deplorable.

"Bushmills is a town close to the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's number one tourist attraction. This is not the type of message we want to display to people visiting the Causeway Coast.

"Those responsible for this crime should not be allowed to get away with this. They do not represent the opinions of the people of Moyle.

"The people of Bushmills must rally together and support Michael and his family and ensure that this is the last crime of this type that we see in this area. They must encourage the Sotirov family to stay in the area and speak up to condemn this attack," she said.

Meanwhile, the man targeted, a Bulgarian businessman, is reportedly considering leaving Northern Ireland for good.

(BMcC)