Alliance East Belfast representatives Naomi Long MP, Chris Lyttle MLA and Judith Cochrane MLA have condemned the firebomb attack on the Alliance East Belfast office. Most of the damage caused was superficial, including smashed windows and fire damage.
Naomi Long MP said: “This is yet another attack on democracy. If there are still people out there who think that violence and intimidation will prevent Alliance from working on behalf of the public in East Belfast, they are absolutely and totally wrong. My colleagues and I will not be bullied or intimidated. We will not be deflected by men of violence from carrying on the work of peacebuilding, and no-one should be under any illusion otherwise.”
Chris Lyttle MLA said: “Elected representatives should not be prevented from working on behalf of their constituents. My colleagues and I work from this office to deliver constituency services for people from right across East Belfast. There can be no justification for attacking our office or bringing violence onto our streets.”
Judith Cochrane MLA said: “I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick response to this attack. Their actions ensured that the damage was limited to the outside of the building. I would urge anybody with any information about this attack to contact the Police.”
ENDS