Ulster Unionist Leader David Trimble last night (Thursday) leapt to the defence of a party colleague over comments made about a Catholic priest under a loyalist death threat. Remarks by Newtownabbey councillor Ivan Hunter against Parish Priest Father Dan Whyte sparked controversy and immediate calls for their withdrawal, but he refused to do so. Father Whyte received a death threat just hours before last weekend's Cemetery Sunday service in Carnmoney Cemetery in Co Antrim.
In the run-up to the event Catholic graves in a section of the cemetery near the loyalist Rathcoole estate were attacked and sectarian graffiti was daubed on the doors of St Mary's on the Hill Church, which has been targeted on numerous occasions.
Sunday's service was disrupted by a 200-strong loyalist protest and trouble broke out afterwards in the Rathcoole estate.
Earlier this week Ulster Unionist councillor Ivan Hunter condemned the threat against Father Whyte but accused the cleric of "not doing his best to reduce those tensions".
"The very fact that he didn't remove the graffiti (on Church doors) shows that he has an agenda," he added.
Speaking for the first time on the affair, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble last night said: "The whole issue is an emotive one which requires all parties to be sensitive.
"I understand that Newtownabbey council is now looking into the matter in detail and I think that at this time it is best for all parties to be patient and responsible so every opportunity can be made to explore avenues which could establish a way forward."
In a statement the Upper Bann MP pointed out that Mr Hunter had "wholeheartedly" condemned the damage to headstones in the graveyard, the action of protesters at the service and the threats against Father Whyte.
The Ulster Unionist leader also said Mr Hunter offered to do everything in his power to defuse the situation.
Mr Trimble added: "It is very important for all involved to ensure that all of what is said is reported and there is not partial reportage which might make the problem worse."
