Gildernew lodges complaint over threats

A Northern Ireland minister has lodged a complaint with the Irish Government after claiming the PSNI  failed to provide information…

A Northern Ireland minister has lodged a complaint with the Irish Government after claiming the PSNI  failed to provide information on a loyalist death threat against her.

Sinn Féin Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew said she was unable to take preventative action because detectives did not detail the extent or nature of the danger.

She blamed the Red Hand Defenders for the threat.

"In recent weeks there have been a number of serious incidents in the Fermanagh part of my constituency. The Sinn Féin office in Lisnaskea has been attacked and threats made against named members of the party including myself," she said.

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"I have spoken with senior members of the PSNI about this. The PSNI have refused to provide information about the extent and nature of the loyalist death threats against me and other party members in the Fermanagh area.

"This conceivably heightens the risk because I am unable to take preventative measures. This is totally unacceptable."

A PSNI spokeswoman said: "We do not discuss the security of individuals, but where we feel there is a need we will advise them of their security. If she is unhappy she should contact the Police Ombudsman's office."