Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Unionists challenged over cemetery threat
Loyalists are at it again it seems. UTV reports that loyalist protesters threatened to desecrate Catholic graves near Belfast.The threats to damage headstones were made on Sunday as loyalists picketed Carmoney Cemetery in Newtownabbey while a Catholic blessing ceremony was held.
Sinn Fein Assembly member Alex Maskey said while he did not believe the majority of unionists supported the protests, all politicians needed to combat prejudice.
"I do not believe that the majority of unionists support what happened at Carnmoney cemetery," Maskey said.
"There is a huge job of work required by those with influence within the broader unionist community to tackle sectarianism," he added.
Carnmoney Cemetery has been attacked on several occasions and headstones have been smashed.
The blessing ceremony has also been picketed by loyalists in the past.
Nationalist SDLP Assembly member Thomas Burns said the latest protest was undignified.
"People have an undeniable right to visit relatives that have been laid to rest in peace in the cemetery," the South Antrim MLA said.
"They should not be expected to run a gauntlet of hate and abuse to get there.
"It is crucial that all those in with positions of influence in the community, particularly within unionism, work to bring these unsightly and undignified protests to an end."
I agree with Mr Maskey and Mr Burns. This threat is reprehensible and I want to hear unionists condemn it in the strongest way possible.
It is unacceptable to show such disrespect to the dead.
Come on unionists. Don't let us down yet again.
# posted by United Irelander @ 12:10 AM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
