‘Under threat’ MLA speaks out

Adrian McQuillan was advised to review his personal safety after police informed him of a threat against him last Tuesday night.

He says that he is taking the threat seriously, but added that it won’t stop him doing his job.

“The bottom line is I am a public representative, and it is my job to speak out about things,” he told the Times.

“These criminal elements obviously don’t like this, and that’s why I have been targeted.

“Patrols have been stepped up around my home and my office, police are taking this seriously, as am I and my family.”

McQuillan, who was first elected as an MLA in 2007, added: “These people will not stop me doing my job representing the people of East Londonderry.

“It is my mandate to speak out on behalf of my constituents, and this will not make me stop.

MP for the area, Gregory Campbell has described the threat against his DUP colleague as ‘pernicious’.

In a statement to The Times on Monday, Mr Campbell called on the police and the public to apprehend those responsible.

He said: “This is a pernicious threat against my elected MLA Colleague and friend Adrian McQuillan.

Adrian is an elected public representative unlike the faceless criminals who have no mandate. Such threats were despicable in the past and are equally so today.

Adrian has worked tirelessly for the whole community in East Londonderry both as a Coleraine Councillor since 2001 and as an MLA since 2007 through his full time constituency office in Garvagh and this threat must be condemned by all political Parties who espouse democracy. Every effort needs to be made by the Police, with the help of the public, to apprehend those individuals or organisations responsible for this threat.”

In a statement, the PSNI said: “Police do not discuss the security of any individual. However, if we receive information that a person may be at risk, we will inform them accordingly.”