The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's cross-community party

 David Ford

Full force of law must apply to racist attackers

2.46.16pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 15th Aug 2006

Portrait-yellow: NEESON Sean (photography: Allan Leonard)

Alliance East Antrim Assembly Member, Sean Neeson

Alliance East Antrim Assembly member Séan Neeson has said courts must use the full force hate crime legislation to punish those guilty of racist attacks.

Speaking an attack in Newtownabbey, Alderman Neeson stated: "Like most people, I am appalled at the growing number of racist attacks in Northern Ireland.

"Most people will also be disappointed there have been so few convictions regarding this.

"We fought long and hard to ensure we have the same legislation as applies in England and Wales to deal with those guilty of hate crimes of this nature.

"With the growing number of immigrants coming to Northern Ireland, both education and legislation must be used to full effect to drive down the number of racist incidents. This is the unacceptable face of Northern Ireland."

ENDS

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