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

Further Concern Expressed Over the Sale of Illegal Fireworks

Published: 8 October, 2007

South and East Belfast Sinn Fein Representatives have again expressed concern at the sale and use of illegal fireworks.

Alex Maskey said:

"Fireworks are not toys. They have been used to intimidate and frighten the most vulnerable in our communities including old people. Indeed, I know of people who continually dread this time of year because of the impact that people using fireworks in an uncontrolled way has on their daily lives.

I have been made aware of instances where young people have been throwing these fireworks at each other. This can only result in serious injury or worse. Those who sell fireworks to children have no thought for what may happen to them. As usual, they care only about making a profit for themselves, regardless of the consequences.

East Belfast Representative Niall Ó Donnghaile added:

"Over the weekend Sinn Féin members in East Belfast have been inundated with complaints about the use of fireworks. We would have an added concern when fireworks are being sold and used in an interface area. This has the potential to heighten tensions along interfaces and to undo some of the hard work that has been carried out on a daily basis to improve the lives of those living on interfaces.

We in Sinn Féin call on those selling illegal fireworks to contemplate the potential consequences and to desist immediately."