The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, has condemned the intimidation of nationalist members of the District Policing Partnership Board (DPPB) in Northern Ireland.
In recent months members of the DPPB have been the victims of arson attacks and intimidation believed to have been orchestrated by dissident republicans.
Mr Cowen described the attacks as a bullying tactic aimed at undermining the success of the new policing reforms.
"There have been a number of incidents in recent weeks in which SDLP members have been victim to further attacks by cowardly thugs opposed to their courageous support of the new policing structures," Mr Cowen said this afternoon.
He said that bullets had been received by these members and threats have been aimed at them and their families. "Those responsible for these gutless attacks should recognise that their efforts are without justification, and should desist immediately.
"Policing reform continues and will continue irrespective of this intimidation. The 10th Report of the Oversight Commissioner published last week clearly illustrates the progress toward the new beginning to policing envisaged by the Independent Commission."
