SDLP member condemns bomb hoaxers
A SDLP Assembly member hit out today at those responsible for the latest security alert at his Derry home.
British army bomb disposal experts were called to examine a suspect bomb outside the home of Pat Ramsey in the Bogside area of the city at around midnight.
About an hour later they declared the device a hoax, said the Police Service.
Mr Ramsey has been the target of an lengthy and ongoing campaign of attacks both real and hoax on his home in Meenan Drive and office by dissident republicans.
The Foyle MLA said it was clear the people responsible for the latest act of intimidation were the same “faceless thugs” who had attacked his home on countless occasions over recent years.
“While the level of disruption last night was kept to a minimum, once again they have caused disruption to the local community and much anxiety, concern and distress for my family and friends,” said Mr Ramsey.
The politician said those responsible should know by now that they would not deter him from his political beliefs or pursuing them democratically for the benefit of the people of Derry.
“They should realise that they are not just targeting me but the entire community and their actions have no support.
“They simply highlight these stupid people for the cowards they are,” he added.
SDLP leader and Foyle MP, Mark Durkan, his voice to the condemnation of those behind the alert at Mr Ramsey’s home.
He said it was not just an attack on an individual politician and his family but on the Bogside community who had consistently elected him and rejected his attackers.
“It was another attack on people’s right to freedom of expression and to live in peace,” said Mr Durkan.
He added: “Pat Ramsey and his family do not just deserve great credit for the courage and determination they continue to show in the face of these attacks by so called republicans.
“They deserve unequivocal support from all democrats in Derry and beyond as well.”
