An anthrax alert delayed proceedings at the Stormont Assembly yesterday. The alert was sparked by a letter containing white powder sent to an anti-agreement unionist MLA.
The letter, which had been posted in the Republic, was sent to Mr Peter Weir, who became suspicious of the package and handed it over to the head of security. The police and fire brigade were then called to Parliament Buildings and the letter was taken away for laboratory analysis. Assembly business was held up for about five minutes by the alert.
Mr Weir was expelled from the Ulster Unionist Party earlier this month after opposing UUP leader Mr David Trimble's re-election as First Minister. Ms Pauline Armitage, who had also voted against Mr Trimble and was suspended from the party, yesterday told the chamber she had been sent a similar package at the weekend which turned out to be a hoax.
She had received 10 anonymous letters in the last few weeks, Ms Armitage added. "I have had the police around at my home more since November 2nd than I have had in my entire life, and I would ask whoever is responsible just to leave me alone."
In other business, the First and Deputy First Ministers announced that a community action project was being put in place in north Belfast to heal sectarian tensions. Both Mr Trimble and Mr Mark Durkan were involved in the resolution of the Holy Cross school dispute, which was called off at the weekend.
Welcoming the suspension of the school protest, Mr Trimble praised the roles played by elected representatives from all parties in north Belfast.