19/04/2002

SDLP ex-mayor blames republicans for hoax

In Londonderry, former SDLP mayor Pat Ramsey has claimed republicans placed a hoax bomb outside his house because he supports the new police service.

The alert had begun before 9.00am on Friday April 19, when a neighbour raised the alarm after noticing that a package has been tied to railings outside Mr Ramsey’s home in Meenan Drive.

The area was sealed off, sixty houses evacuated and up to 150 people moved from their homes.

British army bomb squad officers arrived quickly to examine the device and they were soon able to, and although designed to look like a real bomb, the device was in fact a hoax.

Sinn Féin Council Leader Gearoid Ó hÉara has slammed those responsible for the suspect device found at Mr Ramsey’s home and denied that republicans were involved.

“People need to ask themselves who such incidents benefit and it is clearly not Sinn Féin. Whoever is responsible needs to catch themselves on and stop these stupid antics.”

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said the people who had planted the device were “undoubtedly seeking to silence and intimidate the SDLP”.

“Sinn Féin have been quick to blame the language of demonisation from unionist politicians for loyalists attacks on people and property. It is clear the intimidatory invective from Sinn Féin in its demonisation of the SDLP is influencing and encouraging those who are directing these sinister devices at SDLP councillor homes.” (AMcE)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
15 November 2024
Winter Vaccines: Get Boosted To Protect Yourself
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging eligible individuals in Northern Ireland to get their annual flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. The agency highlights the significant benefits of vaccination in reducing severe illness and death, especially for those at high risk.
22 January 2002
Suspect device at Sinn Féin MLA’s home declared hoax
A suspect pipe bomb found at the home of a leading member of Sinn Fein has been declared as an elaborate hoax by the security forces. Northern Ireland Assembly Member Alex Maskey was not at home when the device was discovered by his son on Tuesday January 22.
06 September 2004
'Bugging device' found at home of Sinn Féin worker
A "sophisticated bugging device" has been found at the home of a Sinn Féin worker in west Belfast, it has been claimed today. The device, which was found by workmen in the home of a woman who works at party president Gerry Adams' constituency office, allegedly contained of a number of battery packs, along with a microphone and transmitter.
14 September 2004
Sinn Féin display second bugging device
Sinn Féin has put on display a second bugging device which it says was discovered at one of its offices in west Belfast.