Priest at Holy Cross school receives two death threats

Father Aidan Troy, the priest who supported the rights of pupils at Holy Cross School in Belfast, has received two death threats in recent days.

Father Troy is chairman of the board of governors of the girls' school which was the subject of protests by loyalists over the route the pupils took to school.

Addressing the Peace and Reconciliation Forum in Dublin Castle yesterday, he said the most recent threat was conveyed to him through the PSNI. He was warned that he would be killed within two days.

A pipe bomb was left at the school on January 6th. Claiming responsibility for this, the Red Hand Defenders said the board of governors had seven days "to close the school forever or else face action".

"This was followed by two serious death threats made to me in recent days," Father Troy said.

"The board of governors will not, and will never, take its agenda from anybody who makes those type of remarks," he said.

At yesterday's forum, Father Troy called on Catholic bishops and school authorities to lead the way in fostering integrated schooling.