Sir, - The situation in Ardoyne is a challenge to everyone who is committed to creating a just and equal society. The abuse of children and the denial of fundamental human rights such as the right to education and the right to live free from sectarian harassment, intimidation and violence demand action from community and church leaders as well as politicians across the political spectrum. The ongoing loyalist pogrom also demands urgent action.
We need genuine engagement and those from within the Protestant/loyalist/unionist community have a responsibility as much as republicans and nationalists.
We have to ask some very basic questions. Do we want to create a society where social exclusion and alienation are tackled, or do we want to keep our society in a quagmire of sectarian hatred?
While it is encouraging to hear sane voices within unionism speaking out against events at Holy Cross, it is equally depressing to hear respected people like May Blood attempting to in any way explain the behaviour of Glenbryn protesters as "peaceful". - Yours, etc.,
Alex Maskey, MLA, Sinn FΘin Chief Whip, Oifig an Phreas Shinn FΘin, Stormont, BΘal Feirste.