Paul Leeman, Chairman of North Down NI Conservatives, has expressed his disgust at a paint attack on the home of local Alliance Party Councillors, Michael and Christine Bower, and an apparent arson attempt on the office of Stephen Farry MLA, which took place on Wednesday night.
“These assaults on democratically elected representatives and their property are simply reprehensible”, Paul emphasised. “In the case of the paint attack on a young couple’s home, which I understand smashed a window near where their 17 month old daughter plays, the consequences could have been horrific.”
“I would appeal to the people who committed these acts to think about what they are doing and stop it immediately. They are giving the likes of Sinn Féin, who were determined to provoke loyalists on flags and symbols, exactly what they would have wanted and at the same time they have attacked a genuine young couple who are simply attempting to serve the community they live in.”
“These attacks serve no purpose whatsoever; in fact they actually damage the pro-Union cause. If people are angry about the removal of the Union Flag in Belfast they should channel their energies into politics and the democratic process. Responding with intimidation and violence is completely unacceptable.”