Sinn Fí©in councillor brands rumours over dissident arrest as 'sinister loyalist rumours'

Magherafelt Sinn Féin councillor, Darren Totten has branded rumours that he was arrested over a recent dissident attack as a ‘sinister campaign emanating from the Loyalist community’

Councillor Totten who is contesting the upcoming local government elections next month said: “First and foremost I would like to categorically state I have never been arrested for any offence related to dissident attacks.

“These rumours that are emanating from the Loyalist community have been appearing over the past few weeks and although I have refuted them, they continue to appear.

“These actions are sinister given the current political instability within the Unionist community. Unionist leaders need to explain the rationale behind such rumours.

“I have now contacted the PSNI and have taken legal advice to see what redress I have in connection with these false allegations.

“As an Irish republican representative, who at Easter again rededicated myself to the fulfillment of the inclusive and egalitarian message of the 1916 Proclamation, I will not be deterred from representing the people of Magherafelt who aspire to Irish freedom, social justice and economic democracy.  

“The nationalist and republican people of Magherafelt know me to be a tireless campaigner for real political change and a strong advocate of my party’s peace strategy which has ensured that the Orange State is gone and never to return.

“My focus remains on championing the rights and entitlements of all the people of Magherafelt irrespective of creed, class or nationality.  

“I will not be distracted from my campaign to ensure my election to the new Mid-Ulster super-council, where with a strong Sinn Féin team I will continue to ensure the effective delivery of much needed and vital services for all our people both young and old,” added Mr Totten.