Convicted loyalist murderer Michael Stone planned to kill Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness in the debating chamber at Stormont, it was revealed today.
In a letter to the Belfast Telegraph,he said: "Their very existence in politics is a prime example that Irish republican terrorism pays. "The fact that the vast majority of Ulster's nationalist-Roman Catholic electorate condone their past atrocities against their Protestant neighbours by religiously voting them into power proves that repugnant fact."
In his letter dated November 24, the day of the crucial Assembly meeting, Stone said he was going to be armed with seven nailbombs, three knives, an axe, a garrotte and body armour.
He said he was going to bluff his way past security guards at the front desk of Parliament Buildings. He would ignite a flash bang device in the centre of the Great Hall, causing smoke and creating panic and confusion.
At that stage he planned to move along the corridor towards the debating chamber and seek out his targets. If neither Mr Adams nor Mr McGuinness were there, Stone said he planned to retrace his steps and head for the Sinn Fein quarters.
He was overpowered and wrestled to the ground by the Assembly's security staff. Nevertheless, the letter written before he headed for Stormont depicts a man prepared for the consequences.
He ended by saying: "I'm outgunned, but I wouldn't have it any other way. For God and Ulster ."