Keep up with Armagh i

Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie unmoved by contemptuous threat made by loyalist paramilitaries

Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie says he is treating the threat by loyalist paramilitaries with “utter contempt”.

Police informed the Portadown man representative of the threat by the south-east Antrim UDA on Tuesday morning.

The unswerving Ulster Unionist MLA, said: “I got a phone call (from police) this morning when I was eating my breakfast and I continued to eat my breakfast. I treat these threats with utter contempt.”

Ulster Unionist Leader, Steve Aiken MLA, has condemned the threats made against Mr Beattie as “absolutely reprehensible”.

He added: “That any criminal organisation thinks that it can interfere with the process of democracy is unbelievable, but for a public representative like Doug who has steadfastly stood up to violence and intimidation from all sectors across the globe, just underlines what a disgrace they are.

“The PSNI should take resolute action in dealing with this threat and we should make sure that he has every available legal tool available to dismantle this criminal gang.

“Whether it is threats against our Justice spokesperson or our Health Minister, there is no room in any democratic society for these threats of intimidation and violence.”

Local jobs

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Most read today

Christmas wishes from SRC

More in Portadown