Attempts to intimidate elected representatives are always repugnant and the arson attack on a car belonging to the SDLP councillor Brian Tierney was a particularly ugly episode.
It was the latest in a series of alarming incidents in Derry and it is essential that the authorities demonstrate their determination to uphold the rule of law and order across the city.
There will also be enormous sympathy for Mr Tierney and his family from everyone who believes in the basic principles of democracy.
