Ford: Assembly must be recalled to show it is united against violence

David Ford MLA has said the Assembly must be recalled to show it is united in its opposition to recent violence targeting elected representatives.

The Party leader submitted an urgent motion to the Assembly on Thursday morning, following an escalation of attacks on Alliance offices and representatives on Wednesday night.

David Ford MLA said: “Since Monday night we have witnessed a growing campaign of violence and intimidation against the Alliance Party, but attacks on any one political party are attacks on democracy itself. The Assembly must unite to show that an attack on our democracy will not be accepted.

“The Alliance Party has been subjected to continued threats and intimidation after a democratic decision was made at Belfast City Council on Monday night. In Carrickfergus we have an office destroyed, with our office in Bangor coming very close to a similar fate. We have witnessed threats made against our Councillors, with the home of two hard working and dedicated North Down Councillors attacked. All parties must come together to show that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I am calling for the full support of all Assembly members for our motion recognising the legitimate decision of Belfast City Council, condemning the violence that has spilled onto our streets, expressing sympathy to all who have been targeted and that any further protests should be peaceful, orderly and organised in accordance with the law.”

ENDS

Alliance motion

In accordance with Standing Order 11(1), we give notice that the Assembly should meet no later than Friday 7 December 2012 for the purpose of discussing the following motion, which is clearly a matter of urgent public importance:

“That this Assembly notes the democratic and legitimate decision of Belfast City Council that the Union Flag be flown above Belfast City Hall on Designated Days; unequivocally condemns the rioting and the campaign of intimidation, harassment and violent attacks on elected representatives that has been organised following that decision; expresses its sympathy to all those who have been attacked, injured or threatened with attack in recent days, including police officers, elected representatives and their staff; reaffirms the absolute and unconditional commitment of all its Members to respecting and upholding the Rule of Law and the pursuit of their political objectives by purely legal and political means; and insists that any further protests in relation to the decision by Belfast City Council be peaceful, orderly, and organised in accordance with the law.”

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