Port Staff Threats ‘Sinister And Ugly'

Taoiseach slams intimidation

- Ferghal Blaney

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has condemned as “sinister and ugly” threats to staff at ports in the North.

Customs checks have had to be suspended because of loyalist intimidation which has also been directed at Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.

Graffiti appeared in the area last month referencing tensions about the Northern Ireland Protocol and describing port staff as “targets”.

Local authorities have withdrawn their staff from the ports “for their own safety” while the EU said it would take its staff off duty.

Mr Martin said: “It is very concerning indeed and I would condemn the intimidatory tactics.