Poots calls for polling station relocation following murder

Lagan Valley DUP MLA, Edwin Poots has called for a Polling Station in Derriaghy to be moved following last week's murder of Kevin McAlorum.

Mr McAlorum had just dropped off children at Oakwood Integrated Primary School when he was shot and fatally wounded by armed men in a white transit van.

Mr Poots said he had asked the Electoral Office to move tomorrow's European Election Polling Station from Oakwood to nearby Derriaghy Primary School after being contacted by concerned local residents following the murder.

“People have justifiable concerns about their safety at Oakwood Integrated Primary School given its isolated location and close proximity to Twinbrook and Poleglass in West Belfast," Mr Poots said. "The polling station previously used never encountered any problems and was a safe environment for everyone use."

Mr Poots said the Primary School had been first used in last year's Assembly elections "at the behest of Sinn Fein who demanded a more neutral environment".

(MB)