School principal intimidated over McAleese invite

The principal of a Co Derry primary school says he is being intimidated after inviting President Mary McAleese for a visit.

John Platt, principal of Millburn Primary School, says he is coming under pressure to cancel the invitation.

The pressure appears to be coming from local loyalists in Coleraine and relates to comments made by Mrs McAleese four years ago in which she compared Protestants who taught their children to hate Catholics to the hatred incited against Jews by the Nazis.

Mr Platt says flags have been put up outside his school and leaflets opposing the visit have been handed out at the gates.