Menu
27/05/2009
SDLP Woman Defies Gun Threat
A nationalist assemblywoman threatened with a gun while canvassing in Lurgan has described the incident as an "affront to democracy".
SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly was electioneering in the Kilwilkie estate last night, on behalf her party's MEP candidate Alban Maguinness, when she was approached by a masked man.
The armed assailant told Mrs Kelly (pictured) and her SDLP colleagues to leave the area within five minutes, or they would be shot. A gun was pointed in one canvasser's face.
Mrs Kelly said she had noticed a car carrying four men pass by her prior to the incident, then disappear.
Shortly afterwards, at around 7.45pm, a man in a balaclava shouted at the MLA, warning her she had five minutes to get out of the estate.
"He had what seemed to be an airgun. He also threatened another member of my party and pointed the gun directly at his face," said the MLA.
The SDLP members withdrew from the area, in what Mrs Kelly described as a "terrifying" experience.
She said: "It was a terrifying experience; I'm not going to dismiss it. It makes me angry. Those people think they can intimidate me or my party - but they will not.
"This is an affront to democracy. I am proud to be an elected representative for this area and young dissident republican elements like that will not deter me from my work."
A defiant Mrs Kelly said the incident will not stop her from what she was democratically elected to do.
Police are now investigating the incident, which happened in a predominantly nationalist area.
NI Policing Board Chair, Sir Des Rea today expressed his support for Mrs Kelly.
He said: "There is no room in our society for those who threaten in this way and the stance taken by Dolores against such threats must be given broad community support."
(PR/BMcC)
SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly was electioneering in the Kilwilkie estate last night, on behalf her party's MEP candidate Alban Maguinness, when she was approached by a masked man.
The armed assailant told Mrs Kelly (pictured) and her SDLP colleagues to leave the area within five minutes, or they would be shot. A gun was pointed in one canvasser's face.
Mrs Kelly said she had noticed a car carrying four men pass by her prior to the incident, then disappear.
Shortly afterwards, at around 7.45pm, a man in a balaclava shouted at the MLA, warning her she had five minutes to get out of the estate.
"He had what seemed to be an airgun. He also threatened another member of my party and pointed the gun directly at his face," said the MLA.
The SDLP members withdrew from the area, in what Mrs Kelly described as a "terrifying" experience.
She said: "It was a terrifying experience; I'm not going to dismiss it. It makes me angry. Those people think they can intimidate me or my party - but they will not.
"This is an affront to democracy. I am proud to be an elected representative for this area and young dissident republican elements like that will not deter me from my work."
A defiant Mrs Kelly said the incident will not stop her from what she was democratically elected to do.
Police are now investigating the incident, which happened in a predominantly nationalist area.
NI Policing Board Chair, Sir Des Rea today expressed his support for Mrs Kelly.
He said: "There is no room in our society for those who threaten in this way and the stance taken by Dolores against such threats must be given broad community support."
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 March 2024
Other News In Brief
SDLP Calls For Update On A5 Upgrade Progress The SDLP have called on the Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, to provide and update on work to progress the A5 upgrade. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan was speaking after meeting with the Enough is Enough campaign at Stormont on Tuesday. Campaigners also met with the Infrastructure Minister.
Other News In Brief
SDLP Calls For Update On A5 Upgrade Progress The SDLP have called on the Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd, to provide and update on work to progress the A5 upgrade. West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan was speaking after meeting with the Enough is Enough campaign at Stormont on Tuesday. Campaigners also met with the Infrastructure Minister.
12 February 2024
Appeal For Information And Witnesses To L'Derry Collision
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a report of a serious road traffic collision in the Strand Road area of L'Derry the early hours of Sunday, February 11. Around 1.40am, police received a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a black Volkswagen Golf.
Appeal For Information And Witnesses To L'Derry Collision
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a report of a serious road traffic collision in the Strand Road area of L'Derry the early hours of Sunday, February 11. Around 1.40am, police received a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a black Volkswagen Golf.
16 April 2024
Appeal Following Arson Attack In South Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an arson attack at a property in south Belfast. At approximately 10.20pm on Saturday, 13 April, police received a report of a fire at a house in the Kilburn Street area. Police attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
Appeal Following Arson Attack In South Belfast
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following an arson attack at a property in south Belfast. At approximately 10.20pm on Saturday, 13 April, police received a report of a fire at a house in the Kilburn Street area. Police attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
10 April 2024
Work To Begin On New North Belfast Housing Development
The Department for Communities that preparatory works has now begun for the physical redevelopment of the Adam Street site on Duncairn Gardens in North Belfast. As a result of extensive public consultation, social housing will be provided through a residential-led regeneration scheme.
Work To Begin On New North Belfast Housing Development
The Department for Communities that preparatory works has now begun for the physical redevelopment of the Adam Street site on Duncairn Gardens in North Belfast. As a result of extensive public consultation, social housing will be provided through a residential-led regeneration scheme.
09 April 2024
Police Investigating Man's Death Following Ballynahinch Collision
The PSNI have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of an elderly man following a collision in Ballynahinch. It it understood that police were called at approximately 4.10pm on Monday 08 April, to reports of the "sudden death"of an elderly man at a quarry in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde.
Police Investigating Man's Death Following Ballynahinch Collision
The PSNI have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of an elderly man following a collision in Ballynahinch. It it understood that police were called at approximately 4.10pm on Monday 08 April, to reports of the "sudden death"of an elderly man at a quarry in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A fine dry days weather with sunshine quite widespread, particularly from mid-morning. Temperatures best across southern districts. North to northwesy breezes occasionally freshening around the coasts. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Most dry with good clear spells bringing a rural frost in the south for some. Cloudier around northern coasts where the odd light shower may develop. Northerly breezes persisting. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
