Ian Paisley Jr Should Refrain from Excusing Threats to Customs Workers

Ian Paisley Jr Should Refrain from Excusing Threats to Customs Workers - Mullen

Aontú Deputy Leader Cllr Denise Mullen has called on Ian Paisly Jr to refrain from Excusing recent threats that have been made against Customs workers in the north of Ireland.

Cllr Mullen:

“In the past few days, we have seen racist graffiti making death threats to the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar saying ‘My Ode to Leo Varadkar: We have a Noose, We have a Tree.’ This morning, the offices of Alliance Party MP Stephen Farry MP, were vandalised with graffiti saying ‘RIP GFA.’ Messages sprayed on the side of buildings have described port workers as ‘targets.’ EU Officials working alongside their Irish counterparts, have been told to stay at home from work for fear for their safety.

And instead of receiving outright condemnation from all Elected Reps across the north Ian Paisley Jr has stated the Northern Protocols are ‘bound to cause these problems.’ This is extremely close to excusing what has happening. He states ‘what should expect’ in so many words. It says to a small handful of extremists and paramilitary groups, they have been wronged and their response is in part justified.”

“We cannot move backwards as a society. A small number of individuals with no community support cannot hold society to ransom. The Protocols and Withdrawal Agreement have facilitated the Brexit longed for by Unionists, no matter the damage sustained. Now, as the North tries to keep businesses afloat and do business this cannot be allowed happen”.

“The threatening of workers by anyone cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. Their ability to earn a daily wage cannot be endangered by a tiny number of Loyalists. The PSNI must investigate this and root it out before its allowed to fester. We as a society must show that the will of the people is paramount and our direction as a country will be decided by the ballot box and not by threats”.

“The North is in a period of great change. This should not happen in a vacuum. It is beyond time that the governments north and south develop an All Ireland Forum to allow all shades or Orange and Green and every colour in between to discuss, debate and vocalise their hopes and fears. We need to talk about the future of Ireland in a calm and peaceful manner”.

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.