Local Fine Gael representative for Ballinteer, Councillor Neale Richmond, has called on opposition parties and elements of the media to stop the personal attacks on Minister Alan Shatter following a worrying threat to his home and local residents this morning.
“Tonight’s motion of no confidence in the Minister should put this issue to bed, the Government are firmly behind the Minister as an individual so the the personal attacks must now stop.
“It is clear that there are some long standing systematic irregularities and inconsistencies that need to be properly investigated and looked at but the personal attacks need to stop. The Minister and his Department will be held to account but there is no need to make this so personal.
“I was inundated with calls and emails from local residents, neighbours of the Minister, who saw their quiet estate in Ballinteer turned upside down this morning on foot of a very sinister hoax sent to the Minister’s home. Understandably they remain very shook after all the commotion.
“For those who seem intent on personalising this issue, I must ask them how would they like it if they or one of their family members were to open something so sinister?
“Reports that a powder like substance and a swastika were sent to the Minister’s home are deeply worrying, these action are quite simply disgusting, they have no place in our society.”