Nationalist MLA blames republicans for arson attack

The home of a nationalist member of the Northern Ireland Assembly was targeted in an attack early today.

Arsonists set fire to two cars parked outside the Strabane home of SDLP West Tyrone MLA Eugene McMenamin, starting a blaze which almost spread to the house where he and his family were sleeping.

Mr McMenamin blamed the attack on republicans opposed to his support of his party’s decision to back policing reforms and take its places on the new Policing Board.

Sinn Fein has not taken its seats on the board, but Mr McMenamin said he could not say whether he was targeted by mainstream or dissident republicans.

Mr McMenamin, condemning what he said he regarded as attempted murder, went on: ‘‘We have witnessed what happens in this community when somebody disagrees with your political point of view.’’

Over recent months he had been writing in his local paper in support of his party’s line on policing, he said, adding: ‘‘I believe that this attack was carried out by those who currently disagree.

‘‘The responsibility for actions like this attack on my home clearly lie with those who want to replace state authority with their own particular brand of intimidation.’’

It was time ‘‘these thugs’’ grew up and realised democracy was the only way forward, he said.

The fire service prevented the fire from the blazing cars spreading to the house.

Mr McMenamin said: ‘‘This could have been a major incident. My house could have been burnt to the ground, it’s as simple as that.’’

It is the second time the house has been targeted in just over two years. Slogans were daubed on the walls in the previous attack.