MLA condemns ‘campaign of intimidation’
AN anti-police campaign in two Co Antrim villages is an attempt to intimidate the Protestant community, a local MLA has claimed.
North Antrim DUP representative Mervyn Storey blamed dissident republicans for the campaign which has seen posters plastered across Rasharkin and Dunloy.
Mr Storey said: “It was clearly an attempt to further intimidate the Protestant community and further damage community relations in the village.”
He added: “It is very apparent that there are those from within the republican community in Rasharkin who simply don’t want to have any Protestants about the place.
“This particular poster campaign is initially directed against the police which would suggest some involvement by so-called dissident republican elements.
“Yet its more general effect will be to further intensify an intimidating background in the village,” said the North Antrim politician.
“It is vital that all local representatives come out strongly against such dissident elements and confront this kind of anti-police agenda.
“This is essential on policing grounds but also in order to reassure a vulnerable and under siege Protestant community.
“Coupled with the recent attacks on local Orange halls it is clear that there are dissident republicans who are prepared to intensify their activity.
“It is therefore vital that republicans give leadership on this issue and clearly state where they stand and what action they have taken to deal with these issues.”
No one from the police was available for comment.
