SDLP condemn 'cowardly' Loyalist attack

A weekend attack on an SDLP Assembly member was as a ‘‘cowardly attempt to undermine democracy’’ and force a political representative out of his home, it was claimed today.

SDLP chief whip and South Down MP, Eddie McGrady condemned the attack on the Larne home of East Antrim MLA Danny O’Connor.

A brick was thrown through a bullet-proof window in Mr O’Connor’s home as he was sleeping.

It was the second time in a week the house in Larne, Co Antrim, where Mr O’Connor lives with his parents, had been targeted.

Mr McGrady said today SDLP representatives singled out in such attacks would not be silenced by those behind them.

Noting his Assembly colleague in South Down, PJ Bradley had also been targeted recently, he declared: ‘‘These attacks will not prevent nor deter the party for what is right for the entire community.

‘‘The attacks on the SDLP highlight the moral bankruptcy of those behind them.

‘‘We have been targeted before and this weekend’s events are nothing new. We will not stop speaking out for what is right and we will not be silenced by threats or intimidation.’’

Mr O’Connor insisted at the weekend loyalist paramilitaries were behind the intimidation campaign but said it wouldn’t deter him from standing in the forthcoming local council elections.

‘‘They are trying to send a message out to people that no Taigs (Catholics) are allowed to stand for council,’’ he claimed.

‘‘But there’s no way we are going to lie down and give in to them. I’m not going to roll over under the jackboot of the UFF (Ulster Freedom Fighters).’’

The attack was condemned by the Ulster Unionist MP for the area, Roy Beggs.