Parsley shocked by attack on fellow Councillor

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 15th Jun 2005

North Down Alliance Councillor Ian Parsley has expressed shock and disgust at Sunday's attack on fellow Councillor and local shop owner Alan Chambers.

The Holywood representative stated: "I would like to say how shocked I was to hear of the attack on my council colleague and friend Alan Chambers, and his wife. Such attacks are utterly disgusting -- even more so when carried out on someone who has done so much personally to make the community safer. The fact that Mr Chambers has continued his Council work almost undeterred is tribute to his family and to his own dedication to the public.

"This sort of attack shows why it is so essential to deliver a proper and effective justice system. It is simply intolerable that local retailers should trade in fear of their own safety. We must ensure we have a justice system dedicated to protecting servants of the community, not evil law breakers.

"I wish Mr and Mrs Chambers a quick and full recovery."

ENDS