SDLP member's home targeted

The home of SDLP Northern Island assembly man Pat Ramsey was petrol bombed last night for the 15th time.

The device was hurled against the back wall of the home in Derry shortly after 9pm and neighbours helped to put out the small blaze.

Mr Ramsey and his wife were away for the weekend but his 30-year-old daughter was in the dwelling.

She said: “It leaves you not knowing what has happened, you’re thinking ’is this against my dad, and why are they targeting his family.

“You are just waiting for the next incident.”

Dissident republicans, opposed to the peace agreement and Mr Ramsey’s involvement in scrutinising policing in the area have been blamed in the past for the campaign.

The victim, who did not want to be named, said it has damaged piping in the wall but added, she had not been hurt by the incendiary.

Mr Ramsey and his wife had been in their mobile home in Donegal for the weekend but have returned to repair the house.

Mr Ramsey said; “We are just sick, sore and tired of these endless attacks on our home and on our family.

“First and foremost I am a father and a husband. My number one priority is my children and my wife.

“This morning I feel completely helpless because I can’t protect my family from these dangerous and nasty people.”

He added those responsible for the attack had been trying to harm those inside the house and added that he was glad there was only property damage.

“The reality is, however, that this is effecting my family. We do not feel safe any longer in our home,” he added.

“Those responsible for ongoing attacks have ensured that our house is a place of fear. My children and my wife fear going to sleep at night in case someone comes to target the house while they are sleeping.

“I fear that if these attacks do not stop here and now then it will result in the loss of my loved ones.”

Mr Ramsey lives at Meenan Drive in the nationalist Bogside area of the city.

The premises were targeted in July 2006 when army experts carried out a controlled explosion on a suspect device.

Police described this as an elaborate hoax and said dissident republicans may be responsible.

There were earlier alerts in November 2005 and September 2004.