I believe in building a brighter future for everyone in Northern Ireland.
Yes, we can and do face difficult issues, but that should always be done responsibly. It should always be done democratically and lawfully.
I have been appalled by the behaviour of political nationalism that has disregarded duty and responsibility and has focused on shoring up their base and playing to the crowd.
The people of Northern Ireland deserve leadership. It is simply not acceptable that some think there is one rule for them and one rule for everything else. Support to a community or cause should never include unlawful behaviour or participating in defying the law - it should never include encouraging others to do so.
People the length and breath of the Northern Ireland are rightly angry at the behaviour of Michelle O’Neill. It is simply unacceptable.
Michelle O’Neill should not be running from her ministerial responsibilities or from the scrutiny of our democratic institutions. Upholding the law and equality of the law are absolutely key to our institutions.
I will always stand up against what is wrong - no matter the slurs or attacks. The hatred from the Sinn Fein benches is palpable.
We should all be doing our duties, while urging peaceful and lawful solutions.
A few truths people need to hear dispelling some common falsehoods about Drumcree stand-off:
1) Garvaghy Residents are not living in fear. It is a bogus myth used to cultivate the perception of victimhood. It is not fear that drives them, but hatred of another’s culture and identity. If anything, Sinn Fein are living in fear of Brendan McKenna who is calling the shots. No threat exists from the Orange who have adhered to the law without exception for the past 28 years.
2) The lawful Orange procession is not a sectarian march. It is an expression of faith and culture. It is a church parade that has been walked for generations, along this historic and traditional route. A silent walk by few dozen of your neighbours, who just happen to be wearing collarettes, isn’t triumphalism or supremacism. The illegal roadblock however is purposefully intended to diminish the rights of others simply because they are Protestant. That’s what sectarianism looks like.
3) If anyone is dragging things backwards, it is nationalists. The “No Going Back” message is popularised simply because of its implication - suggesting Unionists want to drag things back to the past. They don’t - and nothing about their actual behaviour or language suggests that. Those who appear to use the language and conduct of the past are within republicanism. Branding a persons culture and identity sectarian simply for existing? Threatening peace if you don’t get your way? Illegally blocking roads? It’s all happening by the same people saying “No Going Back.” For years republicans have claimed they used to be second class citizens, but by their actions, they are denying the human rights of others by breaking the law.
4) Most people involved in the demonstrations are not even from Garvaghy Road.
5) The Orange have been nothing but peaceful, dignified and respectful. They have not sought to disregard the rights and concerns of residents, and have fully complied with everything asked of them by the legal authorities. They only seek to complete their historic church parade, which has been walked by their forefathers, but denied to them for the past 28 years.
Sinn Féin’s ship is being steered by Brendan McKenna’s dinghy.
Notice how they were left out in the cold from SoS meeting yesterday. Instead, they ran down South to meet the Taoiseach, in a bid to save face.
Sinn Fein are dancing to McKenna’s tune. All of this disruption flows directly out of Sinn Fein’s vulnerability and concern that they are losing support.
Residents are not acting in fear of the Orange Order, Sinn Fein are acting in fear of Brendan McKenna.
@mooreholmes24 The Sinn Fein dream for a “New Ireland” was annihilated on the Garvaghy Road by McDonald, O’Neill and McKenna!
The ‘FIRST MINISTER FOR ALL’ revealed her true colours AGAIN at the weekend!
SHAMEFUL!
No Surrender 🇬🇧
To use the words of Emma Sheerin, Sinn Fein are a “de-barrassment.” Michelle O’Neill is a “de-barrassment.” The Orange Order are not moving society backwards. They are moving forwards, down through Garvaghy Road and onto Carleton Street Orange Hall.