Aontú Derry extends sympathy to family of Lyra McKee - Dr Anne McCloskey
Dr Anne McCloskey, Aontú Derry representative, has extended her sincere sympathies and the sympathies of the whole Aontú party to the family and friends of the young journalist, Lyra Mc Kee, who was shot dead in Derry last night.
Dr Anne McCloskey stated “The people of this city are saddened and horrified at this senseless loss of life. This is a disaster on a personal level. A young life with so much promise has been senselessly extinguished. In the wake of this crime, family and friends have suffered a shocking loss and will be broken hearted.
It’s also disaster for this city and the peace we have in the north. The perpetrators of this act do not represent this city or Ireland. There is absolutely no logic to their actions. In what way does this death advance unity one millimetre?
This is also a disaster for journalism in Ireland. We need young men and women to be able to safely report what is happening in our communities. It is critically important in a functioning democracy that journalists can go about their business safely.
In response to this tragedy we need to send a powerful message. There is no place for this in our society. We need to work together to end the political vacuum now and leave no space for the perpetrators of these actions.