Thousands gather at local rallies to denounce sectarianism

Thousands of people gathered on Friday to hear trade union leaders at rallies across Northern Ireland denounce sectarianism and all paramilitary organisations which engage in perpetuating its vicious cycle.

A resolution read at protests staged by the NI committee Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) against recent loyalist death threats to postal workers and Catholic teachers affirmed “total opposition to all sectarian activity of whatever nature.”

Speaking at the largest rally in Belfast - which police say was attended by over 15,000 people - a representative of ICTU said: “This protest has been organised in response to the increase in sectarian attacks right across Northern Ireland and against public sector workers.

“The brutal sectarian murder of young Danny McColgan has hastened our response to these unscrupulous and unjustified and totally unwarranted sectarian attacks raged against public sector workers in Northern Ireland.

“No-one has the right to engage in this activity or claim it to be on behalf of any section of our community or in defence of its rights.”

The statement which was read out at rallies staged in Belfast, Derry, Omagh, Enniskillen, Newry, Cookstown and Strabane expressed revulsion “at any form of bigotry or sectarianism which has led to murder, violence or acts of intimidation.

“We have suffered from these evil characteristics for more than three decades now. Therefore, we call on all those engaged in acts of sectarianism or paramilitary activity to stop. In particular, we call on paramilitary organisations to disband now.”

Thousands of people across Northern Ireland stopped work in protest at sectarian violence and threats. Businesses, public services and schools closed as workers attended the rallies organised by the trade unions.

Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid earlier urged people to join the protests and said he was allowing his 3,500 departmental staff in the Northern Ireland Office to attend. He said there was a need for an "extraordinary unity of purpose" following the murder of postman Daniel McColgan and the threats against his colleagues and teachers.

Michael Brett, father of murdered teenager Gavin Brett, said he was there to show his support for all the workers and the colleagues of Danny McColgan. Mr Brett said: “This sectarianism has to end. It has to end now – end of story.”

Jim Barber of the Fire Brigades Union - which have taken emergency calls only - said: “I believe it was very important to turn out her today to support of the ICTU-led initiative. We have the situation where workers are being threatened and attacked across the country, including teachers, postal workers, ambulance staff and indeed ourselves. We’re here to try and send a signal to the men of violence and indeed to the whole community that we have to put the past behind us and move forward – and that there is an opportunity there and we have to make sure the progress made over the last years aren’t lost.” (AMcE)