Mayor accused of 'gagging' death threat debate

The Mayor of Craigavon has been accused of “gagging” a debate on a death threat against its Chief Executive last week.

At the time, the Mayor, Kenneth Tywble condemned the threat, however later stopped the debate, stating legal advice as the reason.

Last Tuesday, Chief Executive Francis Rock received as death threat in the form of a live bullet in the post.

It is understood the bullet, was accompanied by a letter demanding that the council scrap plans to reorganise staff within its departments.

Members on the council were outraged that they could not openly speak out against the threat, however Mr Tywble defended his decision claiming that he felt that a debate was unnecessary and added that he believed that his condemnation of the incident would express the council's support for Mr Rock and his family.

(EF)