SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
Ms O’Neill said today that she and Mr Kelly were warned by the PSNI that dissident republicans were planning attacks on them
Said the Foyle MP: “The SDLP stands with Michelle O’Neill, Gerry Kelly and their families today.
“Those responsible for this planned attack are thugs who will not prevail.”
“We will not be dragged back to the past. Public representatives have a mandate from the community to serve local people.
“Those responsible for these actions do not speak for our community.
“This is an attack not just on one party but on the peace we’ve all fought for. Those behind it are setting themselves against the Irish people and they will never win.”
Earlier Ms O’Neill said: “I have been told by police that dissident republicans are planning attacks on myself and my colleague Gerry Kelly.
“This comes in the same week as over 500,000 people have supported Sinn Féin’s agenda for change.
“The debate on Irish unity is centre stage.
“It is against this backdrop that so-called Republicans are planning attacks on Sinn Féin.
“These people have no politics, no strategy and nothing to offer. They are at war with their community and are now threatening political representatives who serve the people.
“These threats are coming a week after Gerry Kelly and I attended a PSNI recruitment event.
“I will not be deterred from carrying out my work as a representative of the people and as Joint Head of Government.
“Sinn Féin will not be deterred. We will continue to pursue our objective of a united Ireland while building a civic, accountable representative policing service, which polices with the community.
“These armed groups have nothing to offer.
“It’s time they packed up and disbanded.”
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