The Environment Minister Alan Kelly has condemned those who sent a threatening package to his constituency office yesterday morning.
It is understood that Mr Kelly received a suspicious package, containing an unusual substance and a letter threatening him and his family, the package understood to have been opened by a female member of his staff at his office in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, yesterday morning. The latest threatening package was sent to Mr Kelly a day before a national demonstration against water charges is to take place. It is understood the threatening letter warned Mr Kelly to watch his back, his family, his car and his house, and stating that he would be “dealt with”. Gardaí say the suspicious package contained a white powder which resulted in the Defence Forces being called in along with the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team who examined the substance which was later to be found not dangerous.
However Kelly responded to the threat saying: “This is a highly deplorable incident.” “It is not something any office of any occupation should have to deal with at any time. “I will not be making any further comment other than to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the constituency office staff who regrettably have to encounter such instances. My primary concern is for their health and safety.”