By Eniola Amadu
Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, has declared that the Executive must “throw everything we have” into tackling hate crime to build a society where everyone feels welcome and included.
Her remarks came as the Stormont Executive issued a joint response to a spate of racist and sectarian attacks in areas including north Belfast, Ballymena and Donaghadee.
Thursday’s statement marked the first time leaders had spoken collectively on the issue since the incidents triggered public outrage and calls for stronger political leadership.
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O’Neill stressed that racist intimidation and violence had no place in Northern Ireland and called for a “zero tolerance” stance. “This was our first meeting since the summer recess, so it was important we sent the message unequivocally and collectively that we are united in standing against racism,” she said.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also condemned the attacks, insisting there was “never any circumstance” under which threats or intimidation could be justified.
She added that while immigration debates continue at a UK-wide level, they must be kept separate from violence.
“What we’re focused on is trying to eliminate these threats,” she said. “I don’t want to constantly be condemning incidents — I want to see a society where these things no longer happen.”
In its statement, the Executive pledged solidarity with victims and their families, saying: “All acts of violence and intimidation are abhorrent and have no place in our society. Every person, regardless of race, religion or background, is entitled to feel safe and free from threat or intimidation.”
The Executive also promised to work with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), civic leaders and community organisations to ensure communities are built on values of equality and respect.
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Earlier in the week, Sinn Féin MP John Finucane convened a cross-community meeting in Belfast, where police officials assured residents that they were treating the attacks with the utmost seriousness.
Meanwhile, concerns remain high in affected areas. A Ballymena landlord who rents properties to Filipino workers told the BBC he feared for his safety and that of his tenants after six vehicles were torched outside one of his houses.
