Report: Armitage threatened, prevented from attending vote

As the DUP continued attempts to stall the vote at Stormont this morning, it was claimed that rebel Ulster Unionist MLA Pauline Armitage had been attacked and threatened at home and prevented from attending the Assembly.

Mrs Armitage had ensured Mr Trimble lost last Friday’s vote by opposing his election to the First Ministerial post.

Democratic Unionist leader the Rev Ian Paisley said: "I think it’s a most serious matter that a member who was coming to this house today has been attacked and her property attacked in such a way that she cannot get here in time for this meeting.

"A wreath was sent to her home. I think that is a very serious thing."

From her home in Portstewart, Co Derry, Mrs Armitage refused to comment.