The Workers Party has condemned the threats and intimidation directed against public servants working at Larne and Belfast ports.

The Party said that there can be no justification. no excuses and no rationale for targeting and terrorising people as they go about their work.

Issues around the checking of goods can and must be resolved politically.

Incendiary language

The Party also said that incendiary language from nationalists, both British and Irish, was not only unhelpful but appears to be a contributory factor

Those responsible must publicly withdraw any suggestion of threats or scare tactics and allow those workers to resume their duties without fear of attack. Politicians and political parties who have used this situation to play to their respective galleries should desist in a similar manner, the party statement concluded.