McNulty - 'The answer to difference is to respect it'

MLA Justin McNulty has welcomed the united condemnation of recent racially motivated violence.  Mr. McNulty was speaking after all parties in the Assembly rejected the violence seen on the streets of Belfast in recent days.

The Newry & Armagh public representative has hit out at the destruction saying that “violence has no place in our society.  It never has and it never will.”

Mr McNulty said “The scenes of violence and destruction in Belfast in recent days have been deeply disturbing to watch, and they have cast a long shadow over communities across the North.

“We are seeing violence and intimidation being directed towards people who have chosen to make this place their home.  These are people who live next to us, who staff our hospitals, and work on the front lines of our health service.  No one should be demonised or attacked for the colour of their skin, or where they come from.

“As Irish people, we know that generations of our people have left our shores to build lives in other countries, and they did so because they wanted a better life for themselves and their children. People that have chosen here to work to build a life for themselves and their families should be able to do so without fear of intimidation or violence.

“I am reminded this week of the words of John Hume, who said that ‘difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace – respect for diversity.’

“We would all do well to remember those words.”