Celtic League backs minister

Body criticises anonymous threats

The Celtic League has thrown its support behind the Island's Treasury Minister – after he offered a cash reward to find those who threatened his family.

Eddie Teare received the threats in December, and police say they’re now investigating who's behind the letters sent to Mr Teare’s home.

Now, Director of Information at the League, Bernard Moffatt, has called for people to take part in what he calls “reasoned debate, rather than pejorative, innuendo and family attack”.

And he’s fired a broadside at those he says take refuge in “cowards security” behind their keyboards online.

Mr Moffatt says those in the public arena can attract criticism and politicians often have to defend the unpopular.

But he says there is a minority of people who are outright abusive online – and says those behind the letter have overstepped the mark by targeting a family.

Mr Moffatt says we enjoy freedom of speech but that should never be used for anonymous abuse and threats.

And he calls for a ‘solid stand’ from both politicians and the public in support of Mr Teare.