I do not ever recall such pure rage engulfing the unionist/loyalist community. It is unprecedented.
The sheer disgust and fury at the PSNI in particular, and at those who desperately continue to sustain SF in Government as they defy the law and trample on the rights of our community, is off the scale tonight.
There is no self respecting unionist/loyalist who could continue engagement with or support for the PSNI, nor support continuing to keep SF in Government.
Emma Little-Pengelly speaks of respect while defending exclusion. Calls for unity while condemning nationalism. A New Ireland isn’t dead. Her argument is.
Today is the day that any concept of a “New Ireland” died. The lies, spin and promises. It was always nonsense, and that had been laid bare.
I never want any discord. I want to build a brighter future for Northern Ireland - for all of us. I work to that every day. I believe every person in this place I serve sees that.
When others, including the First Minister and her party, have behaved with utter recklessness and disregard for stability and our institutions, I believe in responsibility.
I have always embraced those who are different from who I am, and endeavoured to show respect.
I have witnessed the tradition I come from treated with such utter contempt and hatred.
“Little room, Great Hatred” that is what I’ve seen. That is what we have all saw with our own eyes.
I come from the Orange tradition. I am deeply proud of the warmth, compassion, depth and richness of that tradition. All of our traditions come from particular aspects or “sects”. By its very nature, they are “of “something and not “of” something else. They are exclusionary by the very nature of it pertaining to the particular tradition, beliefs or views of some, but it is not exclusionary by experience or engagement. Every religious order or community is exclusionary by doctrine, but not by outreach. We all deserve respect. That respect and tolerance threatens no one.
It is hard to believe I have to explain the basics of this so many years after the principles of the Glorious Revolution and our human rights and civil rights frameworks, but here we are.
I have been deeply, deeply offended by the way my traditions and culture have been described, treated and expressed.
The behaviour, and jubilance tastelessly and appalling shown by some tonight only shines a light on their intolerance, hatred and ignorance.
I will never be goaded into punishing the people of Northern Ireland for the reckless of Sinn Fein.
But I am disgusted and furious of those who have played to their base and not for what is for everyone.
In this election you have a choice - choose those who want Northern Ireland to work, and those who do all they can to make it so.
How we should look towards the future. This was a song by Tommy Makem; not necessarily a Republican song, but one where we look to the years to come on this island.
Gavin Quotes what Martin McGuinness allegedly stated which actually was “traitors to the island of Ireland.” This is different to the claim that Gavin made in this statement below. The context is also different. Quite a bit of time has passed since that…..
"We need to see the rule of law, and not bow the knee to threats."
DUP leader Gavin Robinson speaks to the media about a PSNI investigation into alleged offences linked to the Drumcree/Garvaghy Road dispute.
🎥 PA