A Sinn Féin MLA has hit out at a republican splinter group which has threatened to kill members of the party for its support of District Policing Partnerships.
The self-styled Irish Republican Liberation Army has ordered Sinn Fein's DPP members to remove themselves from DPPs in the North before Christmas or face being targeted.
Foyle assemblyman, Raymond McCartney slammed those behind the threats for
their "cowardice", adding that Sinn Fein would "not bow" to the threat.
"These so-called republicans have nothing constructive to offer the republican struggle," he said.
"These threats, like those in the past from the British State and their Loyalist surrogates, will not undermine the commitment of republicans to Irish Unity and a just and lasting peace."
The IRLA, which is believed to be made up of former IRA and INLA members, made its threat during a display of weapons held at a secret location in west Belfast. Members brandished handguns and an AK47 assault rifle.
Sinn Fein in Strabane was unable to nominate councillors to two of the five seats allocated to them on the area's District Policing Partnership body last week.
Meanwhile, Mr. McCartney has castigated those behind the recent attacks on a Belfast republican which were believed to be carried out by the Real IRA.
"The recent targeting of Briege Meehan in Belfast by people who claim to be republicans is a disgrace. She has only just lost her husband and between the two of them they have given a lifetime of commitment to republicanism."
