Sinn Féin supporters were accused today of tearing down a rival's election posters in Co Tyrone.
Dr Kieran Deeney, the independent candidate in West Tyrone, claimed all but one were removed within 24 hours of going up in the Carrickmore district.
"A lot of good people here who would vote for Sinn Féin are appalled at the thuggery and criminal behaviour going on in this area with robberies and break-ins," he said.
"People are afraid to speak out, and if this is what a free Ireland is supposed to be all about . . . then nobody wants to be part of it. . . . There is no doubt in my mind who was responsible for this."
A Sinn Féin spokesman said the removal of posters was counter-productive and that some of their own had been ripped down throughout the constituency.
"It is easy to make accusations," he said. "Our workers are under firm instructions not to interfere with election posters."