‘Renegade individuals’ blamed on port threats

THREATS which led to staff being withdrawn from Brexit checks at ports may have been fuelled by alcohol, according to Stormont papers.

“Renegade individuals” rather than loyalist paramilitaries or organised gangs were considered responsible for actions which led to increased security fears.

The threat assessment in February was labelled as “low” and “realistically is as low as it will be”, correspondence seen by the Mirror reveals.

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots temporarily withdrew staff from Belfast and Larne ports following a similar decision by Mid and East Antrim Council.

Questions were later raised over the move after police said there was no evidence of “credible threats”.

Internal correspondence shows a flurry of activity in his department in the wake of the minister’s decision on February 1 to withdraw staff, who have since returned to their duties.

In minutes of a meeting on February 2, officials were advised intelligence information “suggests there is no indication that these actions are paramilitary-led”.

It added: “Neither is it assessed to be organised crime. It seems to be renegade individuals, possibly brought on by factors such as alcohol.”

The Assembly’s Daera committee is holding an inquiry.

Its deputy chair, Sinn Fein’s Philip Mcguigan, said the documents further call into question the decisions and accused the DUP of escalating tensions.

The DUP and Daera did not respond to requests for a comment. They previously said staff safety is paramount.

MOVE Edwin Poots

DEFIANCE Poster at Larne Port