Death threats blamed on republicans

DISSIDENT republicans were last night blamed for chilling death threats against members of two policing bodies in Northern Ireland.

The deputy chairman of the Policing Board Denis Bradley and Marion Quinn, an independent member of the Derry District Policing Partnership, both had bullets sent through the post to their homes.

Mrs Quinn also had a Mass card sent to her.

Her daughter's car had a hoax device attached it to it last month, sparking a bomb alert at former SDLP's leader John Hume's office.

While Mr Bradley was unavailable for comment, Mrs Quinn vowed to continue her work despite the threats.

"I went on to the board feeling I could do some good work for my community on the policing issues affecting them petty crime, road traffic, anti-social behaviour. Nothing has changed.

"For over 30 years my community cried out for decent, accountable policing. This is the first chance we have had to deliver that.

"The people who carry out acts like this aren't interested in law and order. They want lawlessness so they can continue making too much money through illegal activities," Mrs Quinn said.

District Policing Partnerships were set up across the North to work alongside the Police Service of Northern Ireland's 29 District Command Units in trying to meet local community policing needs.

Sinn Féin has boycotted the new structures, insisting the British government's policing reforms need to go further if they are ever going to participate.

Hardline republicans have, however, gone further and threatened board members.

PSNI Superintendent Johnny McCarroll said he was "disgusted" by the threat against Mrs Quinn.

"Local people who serve on the district policing partnerships and indeed join the PSNI are the people of real courage in this community unlike the cowards who seek to intimidate anyone who wants to contribute to policing in a democratic society," he said.

SDLP councillor Gerard Diver also condemned the incident. "This is an outrageous attack on a woman trying to ensure community policing is accountable for the first time in our history," he said.

"It is an attack not just on her and her family but an attack on anyone who is or has considered being a DPP member.

"I am sure Marion and her family will be upset but I hope she will not be deterred.

"It is typical of people like these that they would choose vulnerable people like women and their daughters for these type of attacks."

SDLP Policing Board member Alex Attwood condemned the threat to Mr Bradley.

The west Belfast councillor said: "The single-mindedness and determination of the Board and DPP members is in stark contrast to the cowardice and narrow mindedness of those behind this attack.

"It is now time for all to stand up and be counted and to stand firm for new policing opportunities."