South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Ó Donnghaile calls for East Belfast support for foreign nationals

Published: 9 April, 2009

East Belfast Sinn Féin representative Niall Ó Donnghaile has urged politicians and community leaders in East Belfast to voice their support for foreign nationals living in the area. Mr Ó Donnghaile was speaking after it was revealed that a number of foreign nationals have left their homes in the East Belfast area because of fear of attack.


Mr Ó Donnghaile said,

"For some time now there has been a minority of mindless thugs intent on carrying out racist attacks in the wider East Belfast area. They have nothing to offer the community here and the vast majority of the people here reject their actions.


"The upsurge in racist attacks, and the fear of racist attack has been linked to the recent trouble surrounding a small hooligan element at the Poland v Northern Ireland soccer match. The reality is that a small minority of mindless thugs have been engaged in racist attacks against foreign nationals for many years now. They are attempting to use the recent trouble at this soccer match as a smokescreen for their despicable activities.


"I would call upon all politicians and community representatives in the East Belfast area to stand shoulder to shoulder with those foreign nationals who have made East Belfast their home and to send out a clear message that racism has no place in our society".

CRÍOCH