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Parties under paramiltary threat Threats to parties and Orangemen
(about 3 hours later)
Members of both the SDLP and Sinn Fein have been threatened by separate paramilitary organisations.Members of both the SDLP and Sinn Fein have been threatened by separate paramilitary organisations.
It is believed the threat to the SDLP comes from a breakaway group of the Ulster Defence Association.It is believed the threat to the SDLP comes from a breakaway group of the Ulster Defence Association.
An SDLP spokesman said police had warned them elements within the south-east Antrim area were planning an attack on a member of the party. Sinn Fein has said its councillors in Belfast have been threatened by dissident republicans.
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein has said its councillors in Belfast have been threatened by dissident republicans. Police have also warned Orangemen about an imminent attack by dissident republicans. At least four Orangemen have been warned about their security.
Those who have received them include the wife of former Sinn Fein councillor Martin Meehan, who died earlier this month. Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary of the Orange Order, called on all Orangemen to be vigilant and increase their personal security.
"We believe that dissident republicans have been responsible for recent attacks on Orange Halls in Armagh and Tyrone," he said.
"It now appears that this campaign has spread to County Antrim and has taken a more sinister turn with a direct threat against our members.
"It is very worrying that an individual has now been targeted by dissident republicans."
Drumartin Orange Hall was among those targeted this year
Sinn Fein members who have received threats include the wife of former Sinn Fein councillor Martin Meehan, who died earlier this month.
Sinn Fein north Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly said: "Threats have been issued to Belfast Sinn Fein councillors, including those sitting on the District Policing Partnership in recent days.Sinn Fein north Belfast assembly member Gerry Kelly said: "Threats have been issued to Belfast Sinn Fein councillors, including those sitting on the District Policing Partnership in recent days.
Condemnation
"There have also been threats made against a number of other republicans across the city including those who have given many years to the republican struggle and their local communities."There have also been threats made against a number of other republicans across the city including those who have given many years to the republican struggle and their local communities.
"These threats are coming from people who claim to be republicans.""These threats are coming from people who claim to be republicans."
"They are the same people who made repeated threats to the wife of Martin Meehan, Briege, in the days before his sudden death.""They are the same people who made repeated threats to the wife of Martin Meehan, Briege, in the days before his sudden death."
An SDLP spokesman said police had warned them elements within the south-east Antrim area were planning an attack on a member of the party.
Speaking on Thursday, an SDLP spokesperson said: "Our headquarters have contacted all elected representatives, staff and membership to make them aware of the need to step up their personal security."Speaking on Thursday, an SDLP spokesperson said: "Our headquarters have contacted all elected representatives, staff and membership to make them aware of the need to step up their personal security."
Sir Desmond Rea, chairman of the Policing Board, said he unreservedly condemned the threats.Sir Desmond Rea, chairman of the Policing Board, said he unreservedly condemned the threats.
"In recent days and weeks it has been reported that a number of threats have been made against Sinn Fein and SDLP representatives," he said."In recent days and weeks it has been reported that a number of threats have been made against Sinn Fein and SDLP representatives," he said.
"Those who threaten public representatives, who have been elected by and for their communities, have nothing to offer our society.""Those who threaten public representatives, who have been elected by and for their communities, have nothing to offer our society."