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Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance political parties have all released statements condemning threats to their elected representatives in a video which appeared on social media yesterday from a group calling themselves the 'New Republican Movement' In the video a masked person seated read out a statement "We will not sit back any longer and watch our culture and religion destroyed by the people we put in power." and in reference to elected representatives said "We have your addresses and known your movements, every one of you are legitimate targets as of today."
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes described the threats made as ‘sinister’.
The Newry and Armagh MP said: "The sinister threats issued by faceless thugs against elected members of Newry, Mourne and Down are an attack on democracy and on the mandate each of us as elected members receives from the public.
“Let me be crystal clear: these faceless individuals represent no one and they will not deter me or my party colleagues from carrying out our work, every day, representing our constituents.
“Despite bombs planted at our offices and chilling threats made through social media, Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for our people.
“I send solidarity to each of my elected colleagues across our constituencies. Let us stand as one against these deluded individuals.”
Poisonous Discourse
SDLP Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Group Leader Councillor Pete Byrne also condemned the intimidation of elected representatives in the area.
Councillor Byrne said: “This is a disgraceful attempt to intimidate local representatives and it has caused serious concern for many. We all got involved in politics to try and make life better for people in our area and nobody ever expected to face threats of this nature.
“The SDLP is deeply concerned at the poisonous discourse that has taken hold in politics, not just in Newry, Mourne and Down but across the North. We need leadership and too often those who should know better have emboldened this kind of behaviour rather than calling it out.
“I welcome the response from the PSNI and the support that has been offered to councillors. The SDLP has always been clear that political violence and intimidation are wrong. We will continue to work on behalf of our communities and nobody will threaten us or stop us from doing that.”
Alliance Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson MLA condemned the threats also. Mr Tennyson said: “The video circulating online depicting masked men threatening violence against democratically elected representatives is vile and reprehensible. Such threats have absolutely no place in our society and my solidarity is with every Councillor and MLA who has been targeted.
“This is not just an attack on politicians, but on the people they serve and the democratic process itself. These faceless thugs do not speak for our community, and they will not succeed in dragging us backwards.
“Alliance will not be deterred from serving the people who elected us. The people of Newry, Mourne and Down reject violence and coercion, and our local team will continue to build a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone who calls the district home."
