The chairman of Fermanagh District Policing Partnership said there was no reason why the party could not support individual members, following the emergence of a deliberate campaign of intimidation by the Real IRA against nationalist members.

    Mr Elliott said: "I think that would go a long way to show that mainstream republicans pose no threat to any member.

    "It is ridiculous that people cannot do a public duty and public service without bully-boy tactics by groups who want to rule by fear and intimidation."

    With last week's resignation by Cathal O'Dolan following threats from dissident republicans, Fermanagh DPP is short of a nationalist independent member.

    His replacement will be chosen by the Policing Board from a reserve list which was drawn up when the first tranche of candidates was chosen.

    A Policing Board spokesman explained: "That list is with the Board and we will be writing to the person concerned in due course. The community balance on the DPP will be maintained through that appointment."

    Mr Elliott said it was up to every DPP member to make their own decision whether to take part.

    "They have to make that assessment for themselves and their families. I know the police are willing to help and assist in any way that is reasonably practical but it is up to each individual," he said.

    Mr Elliott said he hoped to see the incoming member chosen sooner rather than later to give them a chance to get involved properly, as the term was due to run out in two years' time.

    Policing Board member Sam Foster said the threats were "very, very saddening" and typified what had been going on for years.

    It was sad to see Catholics come under threat from republicans, as Protestants had for many years, he said.

    Mr Foster branded the intimidators "hypocrites", saying: "They are perpetrating the sectarian divide which they complain about themselves.

    "I appeal to all people in society to give these people no succour or support whatsoever."

    Mr Foster said anyone concerned about their safety should contact police.

    "The Police Board and PSNI and NIO will be taking consideration to make sure as far as humanly possible people are protected from these evil intimidators."

    As nationalist members of other DPPs were threatened and Teresa Rooney of Cookstown DPP resigned, Policing Board vice chairman Denis Bradley said the threats had come from a "mindless few".

    "There are people in our society who want to take us back to an era whose door should be firmly closed, and once again we are condemning the actions of a mindless few who have threatened those who have come forward to serve their community as any good, honest and decent citizen would," he said.

    "I can understand the reasons for Ms Rooney's decision as this must have been a very difficult and worrying time for her and her family. I would also like to pay tribute to her for the work that she did on Cookstown DPP."

    Mr Bradley said he had met with Security Minister Jane Kennedy to convey the Policing Board's concerns in relation to the threats.