Updated: 5.17pm
GERRY ADAMS HAS said his wife Colette was present at their Belfast home when a bomb threat was made earlier today.
The Sinn Féin leader added that she is “probably well seasoned in these matters”.
Adams was critical of the fact no Irish politicians have condemned the threat and other attacks on Sinn Féin’s public representatives.
“The silence from the government here and the Fianna Fáil leader on this is deafening. Was this an attack on any other party, Sinn Féin would stand shoulder to shoulder with whoever the targets were, making it clear it is unacceptable.”
When Adams asked Enda Kenny about this in the Dáil later, the Taoiseach said he and the government “condemn unreservedly” the attacks and bomb threat.
Adams said he doesn’t know who the individuals behind the threats are, but party colleague Martin McGuinness said dissidents are to blame.
Adams said the assailants are “focused stupidly” on the British general election tomorrow.
The Louth TD said he and others are used to threats on their lives, noting: “That’s the environment in which I and others work … We just get on with it.”
However, he said he didn’t want to be blasé as some of the threats could be legitimate.
It isn’t that long since I received such a threat, but it is a wee while since the PSNI arrived at the house and had sniffer dogs with them, and sealed off the street.
Last night, three Sinn Féin councillors were victims of crime in Derry, with the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness claiming “anti-democratic dissidents” were responsible for at least two of the incidents.
The cars of Colly Kelly, Sandra Duffy and Jim McVeigh were targeted in the attacks.
It is understood that Kelly’s car was burned out as it was parked outside his family home.
“There can be no place for these type of actions, nor will they deter Sinn Féin from working to advance the peace process and advance our political objectives. Sinn Féin will not be intimidated,” Adams said.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin Councillor Jim McVeigh said he will be making a formal complaint to police today after he was verbally abused and his car attacked at the gates of Belfast City Hall last night.
“As I tried to enter the back gates of City Hall my car was surrounded by a crowd of loyalist protesters.
My car was kicked, bounced and struck with sticks. I was verbally abused, and several of the crowd were shouting insults about the murder today of Gerard Davison. Their behaviour was despicable.
“Sinn Féin will not be intimidated by thugs, we will continue to pursue our equality agenda in Belfast City Council,” he added.
It comes after paint bombs were thrown at Martin McGuinness’s home in Derry on Monday.
Support
Sinn Féin politicians and supporters are condemning the attacks and sending messages of support to those involved:
- With reporting by Rónán Duffy and Órla Ryan
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