Northern Ireland

SDLP councillor 'overwhelmed' by support following arson attack

Derry SDLP councillor Brian Tierney and his wife Cheryl say they won't be deterred from their work by the arson attack
Derry SDLP councillor Brian Tierney and his wife Cheryl say they won't be deterred from their work by the arson attack Derry SDLP councillor Brian Tierney and his wife Cheryl say they won't be deterred from their work by the arson attack

AN SDLP councillor targeted in an arson attack says he is overwhelmed by the support he has received.

Brian Tierney’s car was badly damaged at his home in Derry’s Glencaw Park on Friday night.

The Derry and Strabane councillor, who has been an outspoken critic of dissident republican paramilitary activity in the city, said he, his wife Cheryl and their children were in the house at the time and it had been a terrifying ordeal.

In a statement, the couple thanked all those who contacted them and spoke out following the attack, including SDLP members, Secretary of State James Brokenshire and other party representatives.

“We are truly overwhelmed by the support we have received from our family, from across this city and across the island.

"The generosity that we have seen... far outweighs the hatred of those who carried out this act.

“We are Derry people. We are proud to have the support of the people of Derry and we’ll continue to do all we can to make this city a better place."