Dallat 'warned' of threat to life

Version 0 of 1.

A deputy speaker in the NI assembly has said he has been warned his life may be in danger from loyalists.

John Dallat, SDLP, said police told him loyalist "elements" were targeting his home and monitoring his movements.

The East Londonderry assembly member said he had "no doubt" the UDA was behind the threat.

The police said they did not discuss the security of individuals but where there was a perceived threat, they would "advise accordingly."

Mr Dallat said police told his secretary of the development while he was on holiday in Bosnia.

He has since been in contact with the PSNI to discuss his security.

Mr Dallat said he supported the decision by Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie to issue an "ultimatum" to the UDA over its guns.

"I understand loyalist elements are gathering information at my home and are tracking my movements," he said.

'False sense'

"This clearly shows that there is ongoing planning which has nothing to do with winding up the killer machine.

"It underlines the fact that people should not develop a false sense of optimism.

"For that reason Margaret Ritchie is doing the right thing."

Mr Dallat, who lives in Kilrea with his wife and two sons, said it was not the first time he had been targeted.

The most recent "threat" was about six months ago.

However, over the Twelfth period, Mr Dallat's election posters, used in the recent assembly poll, were burned in a bonfire.

"That was sinister," he said. "I am not complacent about all of this, I will not be reckless but life will continue as normal he said."