Menu
29/07/2003
SDLP member receives 'last rites' pamphlet
Loyalists are thought to be behind a pamphlet and handwritten message entitled ‘Last Rites’, which was sent to the home of a leading SDLP councillor at the weekend.
East Derry councillor John Dallat, who received the pamphlet on Saturday, said he believed the letter was an attack on both him and the Catholic Church.
The front of the pamphlet illustrates a priest leaning over a dead body with a crucifix in his hand apparently administering the Last Rites of the Catholic Church. A comic strip then tells the story of a motorist called ‘John’ who falls out with his wife, crashes his car, gets killed and goes to hell because he accepted the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Councillor Dallat said: "Ostensibly this is an attack on my church but I have no doubt that there are other sinister undertones intended judging by the handwritten message on the back of the envelope which bears a Scottish postage stamp and frank."
Mr Dallat revealed that a similar threat was placed on a Loyalist website giving his personal details which was later removed after police put pressure on the service provider.
He continued: "My home address had a spelling error which matches the error on this most recent vile correspondence indicating it has come from the same pathetic individuals who are living a very low form of existence."
"It is clear that intimidation is still thriving and even when those involved take themselves off to Bonny Scotland they still can’t resist sending their sectarian and bigoted thoughts back in the post to others who are striving for peace and an end to division created by the very people who are determined to keep it alive," he concluded.
(MB)
East Derry councillor John Dallat, who received the pamphlet on Saturday, said he believed the letter was an attack on both him and the Catholic Church.
The front of the pamphlet illustrates a priest leaning over a dead body with a crucifix in his hand apparently administering the Last Rites of the Catholic Church. A comic strip then tells the story of a motorist called ‘John’ who falls out with his wife, crashes his car, gets killed and goes to hell because he accepted the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Councillor Dallat said: "Ostensibly this is an attack on my church but I have no doubt that there are other sinister undertones intended judging by the handwritten message on the back of the envelope which bears a Scottish postage stamp and frank."
Mr Dallat revealed that a similar threat was placed on a Loyalist website giving his personal details which was later removed after police put pressure on the service provider.
He continued: "My home address had a spelling error which matches the error on this most recent vile correspondence indicating it has come from the same pathetic individuals who are living a very low form of existence."
"It is clear that intimidation is still thriving and even when those involved take themselves off to Bonny Scotland they still can’t resist sending their sectarian and bigoted thoughts back in the post to others who are striving for peace and an end to division created by the very people who are determined to keep it alive," he concluded.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
15 November 2024
Arson Attack On 5G Mast In West Belfast
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a suspected arson attack on a 5G mast in the Andersonstown Road area. The incident occurred around 9.55pm on Wednesday, November 13th. Detective Sergeant Faulkner confirmed that officers attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze.
Arson Attack On 5G Mast In West Belfast
Detectives in Belfast are investigating a suspected arson attack on a 5G mast in the Andersonstown Road area. The incident occurred around 9.55pm on Wednesday, November 13th. Detective Sergeant Faulkner confirmed that officers attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who successfully extinguished the blaze.
28 June 2019
SF Demand End To 'Damaging' Transfer Tests
Sinn Fein has issued a call for the end of transfer tests in Northern Ireland following a recent report on the detrimental impact the process has on children.
SF Demand End To 'Damaging' Transfer Tests
Sinn Fein has issued a call for the end of transfer tests in Northern Ireland following a recent report on the detrimental impact the process has on children.
06 August 2015
Call For Free Vote Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
There are reports that two churches in Northern Ireland have called for the region's politicians to be allowed a free vote regarding same-sex marriage. It is understood representatives from both the Catholic church and Presbyterian church have said party whips should be removed on the issue when it is next debated at Stormont.
Call For Free Vote Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
There are reports that two churches in Northern Ireland have called for the region's politicians to be allowed a free vote regarding same-sex marriage. It is understood representatives from both the Catholic church and Presbyterian church have said party whips should be removed on the issue when it is next debated at Stormont.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
