SF man’s thanks after car attack

Cllr Mark O Dowd car was attacked when he was assisting the Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of a fire at Aldervale Flats in Craigavon.

He said he had been requested as a locally elected representative to attend the scene of an arson attack.

“On arriving at the scene I parked close to the flats and while I was liaising with the Fire and Rescue Service and senior Housing Executive personnel at the scene large stones were thrown at my car causing considerable damage.”

Mark said the attack was ‘obviously deliberate’ and had been carried out when there were no witnesses about.

“From comments made after the incident I believe that the damage was caused by elements involved in petty crime,” said the Sinn Fein councillor.

“These individuals appear set on creating an environment of fear and intimidation where they can operate freely. I can assure them that Sinn Féin will continue to work for the people of Brownlow and will not be intimidated by anyone.

“Ironically several of those who commented adversely after the incident have themselves frequently asked myself and my colleagues for assistance.”

Cllr O’Dowd said that he was confident that this small group was in no way reflective of the attitudes of the community.

“I would like to thank all those who have contacted me to offer support and help .Their words and actions were heartening and much appreciated. They are the true representation of the Brownlow community which seldom gets mentioned in the media.”