Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan has condemned the racist disorder witnessed in Ballymena as ‘disgusting.’
Speaking today following a second consecutive night of rioting in the town, the North Antrim MLA said, “The racist disorder witnessed in Ballymena last night, fuelled by hatred and intolerance, was disgusting.
“There is absolutely no place for racism in our communities — it is repulsive and must be unequivocally condemned.
“My thoughts are with those in Ballymena and beyond who are living in real fear as a result of this behaviour.
“Rather than some politicians feeding fear with mistruths and misconceptions, we should all stand together, show strong leadership, and work to bring this trouble to an end.”
Sinn Féin’s Declan Kearney has appealed for calm in Antrim Town this evening after speaking at length with senior PSNI management regarding a racist protest in the vicinity of the Holiday Inn Hotel.
The South Antrim MLA said, “I have asked for a reassurance from local senior officers that sufficient resources are deployed in Antrim Town to address all scenarios. The racist violence and criminality witnessed in Ballymena must not be allowed to develop in Antrim. This time last year unionist paramilitaries and neo nazi thugs tried to sow fear and division in Antrim. Good work was done then to face down those extremists. The same unity of purpose is required in this period.
“Racism, sectarianism and neo nazi paramilitarism have no place in our society. We need united political and civic leadership to stand up for inclusion and respect.
“Antrim Town has never been more ethnically diverse. Our foreign national population plays a vital role in the delivery of public services across South Antrim. They are welcome and valued members of our community.
“I have asked the police to ensure all necessary measures are deployed to keep citizens safe and protect homes and property in Antrim Town, and elsewhere in this constituency.
“In the meantime, I am appealing for calm and asking that the local community fully supports our local police officers in upholding the law and keeping people safe.”
Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has urged all political representatives to show leadership and call for a boycott of a racist protest reportedly planned for Thursday evening in Portadown.
There are reports of a demonstration being organised, with one flyer circulated suggesting the protest will target several homes and a hostel in the area.
“Reports of a racist protest being organised in Portadown by faceless elements are deeply disturbing and disgraceful,” said the Upper Bann MLA.
“I am calling on all politicians, particularly those with influence in the greater Portadown area, to distance themselves from this protest and to publicly encourage a boycott.
“Anything less would be a total abdication of leadership at a time when it is needed most.
“We have already seen the misery that racist thugs have inflicted on the people of Ballymena and elsewhere — those scenes must not be repeated in Portadown.”
