Sinn Fein's Alex Maskey receives threat

By Q Radio News

Sinn Fein's Alex Maskey says he's received a threat.

The PSNI visited the Speaker of the Assembly yesterday, to make him aware.

In a statement to Q Radio Mr Maskey said:

“I was visited by the PSNI yesterday and informed that a threat has been received of an imminent attack against me.

“I note that this threat was received in the week when I announced my intention to use the role of Speaker to represent every side of the Assembly Chamber and to engage with every section of our community. This threat will not deter me from those events or continuing such efforts in the future.”

The Speaker concluded: “As Speaker of the Assembly, I will be clear that intimidation of any elected representative in our democratic institutions is deplorable whether threats of this nature or vile abuse on social media.  It can only be responded to by continuing to work to take our society forward.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: 

 “My party colleague and Stormont Speaker Alex Maskey MLA has told me that the PSNI have warned him about a threat against him. My first thoughts are with Alex, his wife Liz and his family.

“Alex Maskey has in the past been seriously injured, and his friend and party colleague Alan Lundy murdered, in attacks on his home by loyalist death squads.

“This latest threat against Alex comes on the heels of threats against Gerry Kelly and myself and attacks and threats against party members from Republican dissidents.

“Alex Maskey is a lifelong community and republican activist. 

“He has been a trail blazing public representative and political activist for almost 40 years and has played a leading role in the peace process.

“In his role as Speaker, Alex Maskey acts as a representative of all the parties and MLAs in the Assembly and all sections of the community.

“So these current threats against Alex are an attack on the whole democratic process.

“Alex has made it clear he will not be deterred by these threats. He will continue to carry out his duties as Speaker, working with all parties in the Assembly, without fear or favour.

 “These despicable threats come just weeks after 500,000 people endorsed the Sinn Féin message of hope and change in the elections in the south.

“We will continue our work to represent citizens and to achieve our objective of a new, inclusive and united Ireland.

“Those responsible for these threats should disband immediately.”