Sinn Fein accused of 'white collar terrorism'

Sinn Fein was today accused of "white collar terrorism" after rival nationalists were warned against joining new district policing partnerships (DPPs).

Claiming that republicans in Co Down have issued direct threats, the SDLP is to raise the issue with the British and Irish governments and Sinn Fein leadership.

It follows comments by Sinn Fein representatives on Newry and Mourne Council asking if nationalists joining the local DPP planned to carry firearms or had consulted their families about the implications.

Another warned that their names would appear on posters all over the area.

South Down Assembly member PJ Bradley, who attended the stormy meeting said the comments were clearly intended to intimidate.

"This was white collar terrorism. It was pure thuggery."

Mr Bradley said the threats would not prevent members of his party from joining the 29 DPPs set up under the Patten reforms to monitor policing at a local level.

A major campaign has got under way to enlist independent members to the DPPs but Sinn Fein has refused to sign up until the Patten recommendations were fully implemented.

It has called for the ban on ex-paramilitary prisoners joining the DPPs to be lifted.

Sinn Fein is the only political party to refuse to sign up to the policing arrangements and take its two seats on the main board.