2 December 2025
SDLP Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Group Leader Councillor Pete Byrne has condemned intimidation of elected representatives in the area.
He was speaking after a video circulated online showing masked men issuing threats against local representatives.
Councillor Byrne said:
“This is a disgraceful attempt to intimidate local representatives and it has caused serious concern for many. We all got involved in politics to try and make life better for people in our area and nobody ever expected to face threats of this nature.
“The SDLP is deeply concerned at the poisonous discourse that has taken hold in politics, not just in Newry, Mourne and Down but across the North. We need leadership and too often those who should know better have emboldened this kind of behaviour rather than calling it out.
“I welcome the response from the PSNI and the support that has been offered to councillors. The SDLP has always been clear that political violence and intimidation are wrong. We will continue to work on behalf of our communities and nobody will threaten us or stop us from doing that.”