Mike Nesbitt’s call for demonstrators to stay off the streets, as the anniversary of the flag protests approaches is “better late than never”, according to NI Conservatives’ co-chairman, Trevor Ringland.
“The UUP leader’s call is certainly belated, but I suppose we should be thankful that he’s finally said it at all”, Trevor noted. “There has been a distinct lack of leadership from the pro-Union parties at Stormont on this issue, particularly where law-breaking has been taking place. We needed strong, unequivocal statements, backing to the hilt the rule of law and we needed them almost a year ago. At the time Mike Nesbitt preferred to give his backing to the failed Unionist Forum.”
“On the day after Remembrance Sunday it is important to reflect upon the sacrifices that the police in Northern Ireland have made over the years and the fact that, over the past year, officers have been attacked by so-called ‘loyalist’ protesters. It’s also important to remember that both the DUP and UUP have often been less than clear when it comes to voicing absolute condemnation where police and others have come under threat of violence.”
“We’re approaching another Christmas where demonstrations could cause disruption for people across Northern Ireland, for traders and businesses and threaten the life and limb of police officers. It’s high time that political leaders said ‘no more’. Having these protests on the streets just feeds the dissident republican agenda and undermines the union. Surely politicians have learned that lesson by now.”
“Every survey shows that Northern Ireland remains firmly within the United Kingdom and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. That is the bigger picture that is too often missed. The focus should be on having prosperity and stability, for everyone. All the political parties could resolve the outstanding issues, if they were serious about building a shared and stable future. When the law is broken, they should always be absolutely clear about condemning those who break it, and defending the police service which maintains order.”