AN SDLP assembly candidate whose election posters were destroyed has said she will “not be intimidated by loyalists or anyone else”.
Roisin Lynch, who is standing in the South Antrim constituency, said those responsible “seek to create division in our society or stop people from campaigning”.
An image of the SDLP representative’s cut up posters was posted on the Erskine and District Community Association Facebook page carrying the message `Loyalist Ballyclare Says No’.
One comment below the post read “they had the cheek putting them up where they were”.
Another comment read: “A sign of what’s yet to come in the future, the great rural unionist towns/villages ethic (sic) cleansing like has happened to so many other areas over the years. Can only hope it won’t be let happen. If locals ever needed a wake-up call that everyone needs to vote this is it”.
Ms Lynch said it is “not the first time during this election that my posters have been removed, they have gone missing from places all over south Antrim as people seek to interfere with my campaign”.
“I will not be intimidated by loyalists or anyone else during this assembly election campaign.
“There can be no room for intimidation by anybody.
“Representatives from all parties have had their posters removed, but these comments and images circulating online are sinister and cause for concern.”
Meanwhile, the PSNI has said from March 22 to April 26, it received 98 reports relating to the assembly election.
There had been 80 reports of posters being damaged, removed or destroyed.
One penalty notice for disorder and one community resolution notice have been issued so far, with five files also being sent to the Public Prosecution Service and other investigations continuing.
