Politicians across the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area have condemned the threats from a republican splinter group
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes
Sinn Féin Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes has described threats made against elected members in the Newry Mourne and Down area as ‘sinister’.
A video shared online shows masked men with guns reading a statement in which politicians are described as ‘legitimate targets’.
Dáire Hughes said: “The sinister threats issued by faceless thugs against elected members of Newry, Mourne and Down are an attack on democracy and on the mandate each of us as elected members receives from the public.
“Let me be crystal clear: these faceless individuals represent no one and they will not deter me or my party colleagues from carrying out our work, every day, representing our constituents.
“Despite bombs planted at our offices and chilling threats made through social media, Sinn Féin will continue to stand up for our people.
“I send solidarity to each of my elected colleagues across our constituencies. Let us stand as one against these deluded individuals.”
SDLP Oppose Threats To Local Politicians by Republicans
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has reacted to the video released earlier this week from a group saying they were from a republican grouping.
Colin McGrath said that threats against elected representatives are an attack on democracy itself.
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has condemned a video posted online “by a self-styled republican splinter group which claimed that elected representatives were ‘legitimate targets’ and they vare cowardly, dangerous, and utterly incompatible with a civilised society.
“Public representatives, regardless of political background, deserve respect and safety as they carry out their democratic duties.
“To stand for election, to show your face, and to make your values known and open to criticism takes guts.
“It takes courage to put your name on a ballot paper, to knock on doors, and to accept the verdict of the people.
“Those who hide behind balaclavas and issue threats on behalf of ‘the community’ with no mandate and no accountability are undermining the very foundations of democracy, and they are wrong to do so.”
The South Down MLA voiced strong support for councillors across Newry Mourne and Down.
“I stand with every single elected representative on our Council who has put themself forward to serve their community.
“We may disagree, sometimes vehemently, on political issues, but it is never personal, and we never degrade ourselves by making threats. That is the measure of a civilised society, where disputes are resolved through debate and at the ballot box.”
Mr McGrath called on all political and community leaders to reject intimidation unequivocally.
He added: “Our society has come too far, and our democratic institutions matter too much, to allow faceless threats to drag us backwards.
“The future will be built by those prepared to participate openly and peacefully, not by those who operate from the shadows.”
Alliance Party Stands Against Republican Threats
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray, speaking in the Assembly, said: “It is the season of peace and goodwill to all men. It is also the season of Advent, which, Mr Speaker, I am sure that you are reflecting on.
“Advent defines the story of a young family making their journey in a challenging political, social and economic situation.
“I reflect on that story a lot, but some people in our society have missed the whole point of it.
“Last night, a threat was issued to all elected reps in Newry Mourne and Down District Council against the council’s decision to endorse the area as a council of sanctuary.
“At the outset, I stand in solidarity with all elected reps in Newry Mourne and Down, be they councillors, MLAs or MPs, and with all parties sitting here today, because it is such a humbling and proud role to be an elected rep and serve society.
“I also thank the PSNI for the proactive role that it has taken. The issue has been ongoing, and the PSNI is working hard and was quick last night to phone around and offer support and advice.
“I will also say that having men in balaclavas standing in front of flags reading crumpled statements and holding guns has not defined my politics and does not define my politics, nor will it ever.
“What defines my politics is this: my party colleagues here and the political discourse with other parties in the Chamber, whether we agree or disagree. That is what moves society forward.
“I stand in solidarity with other elected reps, I thank the PSNI, and I completely refute the threats made by the group last night.
“On the matter of the City of Sanctuary designation for Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the decision was the right, just and empathetic thing to do.”
UUP Opposes Threats From Republican Splinter Group
Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor set out the UUP position speaking on his Facebook page in November responded to comments from a republican group regarding the Poppy Appeal stand in TESCO’s on Newry. The issue and threats have been building up in recent months.
Councillor Taylor said: “The Poppy Appeal has been located at Tesco in Newry for quite a number of years now and always receives strong support from people across the community.
“Saoradh’s initial statement on the presence of the poppy stall in the Tesco store and the outlined threat to take action to remove it was extremely sinister in nature and something I have spoken to Police directly about.
“Their remarks and threats would be condemned by any right minded person.
“The Poppy stall is manned by volunteers each year who give up their own free time to support the Royal British Legion’s appeal to raise funds for veterans, service personnel and their families.
“I welcome the fact that Tesco’s have not bowed to any threats or pressure from republicans and that the stall remains in a very prominent position within the store.
“I would encourage the local community in the Newry area to continue their ongoing strong support for the Poppy Appeal and the vital work undertaken by the Royal British Legion.”
