Catholics urged to oppose 'Real IRA' threats

Catholics were urged today to face down dissident republicans attempting to "bully" them out of Northern Ireland's new policing…

Catholics were urged today to face down dissident republicans attempting to "bully" them out of Northern Ireland's new policing arrangements.

As a car belonging to another community police representative in Derry was set alight, a top member of the central board in Belfast warned the next few weeks were crucial.

Mr Denis Bradley claimed "Real IRA" threats against all Catholics sitting on the 26 District Policing Partnerships could wreck the whole Patten blueprint for reforming the force.

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I am frightened for myself and I am frightened for my family, what mother wouldn't be?
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Ms Marian Quinn of the Derry District Policing Partnership

"The only way you ever beat bullies is to stand up to them," he said. "People who know who might be in the 'Real IRA', and who is supporting this campaign, need to take a stance. Churches, unions, business people and even Sinn Féin are a big part of the Catholic community and it's up to them to say they won't accept this."

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In the latest attack, Ms Marian Quinn's car was set alight overnight in the Galliagh area of Derry. Ms Quinn, who has been threatened before about her role on the city's DPP, said she was now considering quitting the body.

"I am frightened for myself and I am frightened for my family, what mother wouldn't be," she said. "But a stand has to be taken and these men have to be told no, enough is enough, we have just had enough of it."

So far, two people have stood down, in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, and in Co Fermanagh over the intimidation campaign. Another car belonging to a DPP member, in Strabane, Co Tyrone, was torched outside the school where he teaches. A oax bomb was planted at the home of another DPP chairman nearby.