Campbell dismayed at Newtownabbey Mayor's comments

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 3rd Oct 2005

Antrim Line Alliance Councillor Tom Campbell has expressed his dismay at comments made by Newtownabbey Mayor William De Courcey about Carnmoney cemetery disturbances at the weekend in which he failed to condemn the protestors.

Councillor Campbell said:

"I am dismayed at the comments from the Mayor. This was an opportunity to demonstrate leadership. Major offence has been caused to those attending a religious service at the cemetery. These protests were clearly well organised, intimidating and sectarian in nature. Poisonous and threatening remarks were made. Such conduct is unacceptable in any normal society and this should be the case here.

"It is wrong to become sidetracked as a public representative into confusing the right to protest or march with the most basis human right to remember the dead and to participate freely and with harassment or insult in religion. If what was said was the best that the Mayor could offer it would have been better to have said nothing."

ENDS