Freedom offer for threat minister

Rev Armstrong was threatened after showing goodwill to his Catholic counterpart

A former Presbyterian minister forced out of Limavady in the 1980s may now be offered the freedom of the town.

The proposal to confer the honour on the Reverend David Armstrong and Father Kevin Mullen has been put forward by SDLP councillor Michael Coyle.

Rev Armstrong received death threats after offering a Christmas message of goodwill to Catholic Fr Mullen at a neighbouring church in 1984.

The proposal is to be debated at a special council meeting in two weeks.

Mr Coyle said that it would be the first time the freedom of the borough has been offered to anyone.

"Both Reverend Armstrong and and Father Mullen were ahead of their time and I think it is right that they are recognised," he said.

Mr Armstrong retrained as an Anglican minister and is now based at a Church of Ireland parish in County Cork.