BY RONAN MCSHERRY

DUP Cllr Sammy Brush has suggested the people who attacked his home in the early hours of Monday morning are being selective about what they wish to 'rake up from the past and what they want to leave behind.'

During the incident at Main St, Ballygawley a concrete block was thrown at his car smashing the windscreen. Police recovered half a concrete block found near the vehicle.

The Dungannon Cllr said, "It was 2am in the morning and my wife heard a stone hit the window and then another stone. After this there was as a crash but when we went to investigate there was no-one about at all. Whoever did it cleared off straight away."

Cllr Brush, a former UDR soldier who was wounded in an IRA gun attack in 1981 believes the attack was an attempt to intimidate him. He added, "I suppose people think I can be intimidated the way other people were but I won't let this intimidate me. It is annoying to think there are people still think this is the way forward in this day and age when we are supposed to be leaving it all behind. There are obviously people who don't want to leave things behind while they are quite happy to rake up other things. "

Referring to the attempt on his life in 1981 the former UDR man said, "Some people are quite happy to rake up things like Bloody Sunday and God knows what else but whenever it comes down to dealing with the attempted murder of someone like myself who was a Unionist politician at that time as well, it is a different story."

An independent republican candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone in the last elections, Gerry McGeough, has been charged with attempting to murder Mr Brush in his home town in 1981. McGeough, 46 and Vincent McAnespie, 44, of Aghabo Close, Aughnacloy, also face charges of conspiracy to murder and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life.

Police do not believe at this stage that the incident at Mr Brush's house was linked to supporters of the accused.

While DUP leader Ian paisley has been involved in high powered negotiations to restore power sharing, he also has brought up the attack with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Cllr Brush thanked the Fermanagh South-Tyrone MLA Maurice Morrow and the DUP for their support and has vowed, "I will not be put off by this, definitely not."

Sinn Féin have moved to condemn the attack. MLA for the area Michelle Gildernew said,"I am confident that republicans were in no way involved and that this was not motivated by any sectarian motive. I would encourage anyone with any information on this matter to co-operate with the PSNI."

Police in Dungannon are investigating the incident of criminal damage which occurred at Main St, Ballygawley at around 2.10am on Monday morning. Anyone who was in the area and noticed any suspicious activity is asked to contact police in Dungannon on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by telephoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.