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10/06/2008
Irish President 'Barracked' During Primary School Visit
Irish President Mary McAleese was today confronted by a group of loyalist protesters, who jeered and barracked her, during a visit to a Coleraine primary school.
A crowd of around 50 people gathered at Millburn Primary School and shouted sectarian abuse at Mrs McAleese and her husband.
The group, who waved banners and union flags, also referred to comments made by Mrs McAleese in 2005, which compared Protestant attitudes to Catholics during the height of The Troubles to Nazi Germany before the war. She later apologised for the comment.
Protesters also complained they were not informed about the visit and claimed the school did not properly consult with the local community.
Mrs McAleese spent time, during her visit, with Primary 1 and 2 pupils before listening to a musical recital from Year 6 and Year 7 pupils. She was visiting the school to observe innovative early years teaching techniques imported from Finland.
Earlier this morning, Millburn Primary School's Principal, John Platt, said he was being intimidated after inviting the President to the school.
Mr Platt also said flags were put up outside the school and leaflets opposing the visit were being handed out outside the gates.
He told the BBC: "In school, they've advised me that they don't want this visit to take place.
"They have taped conversations unofficially inside the building, they have handed over materials outside and they have a selection of flags up around the school.
"There's been quite a to-ing and fro-ing of quite strong language about what should and shouldn't happen."
(JM/KMcA)
A crowd of around 50 people gathered at Millburn Primary School and shouted sectarian abuse at Mrs McAleese and her husband.
The group, who waved banners and union flags, also referred to comments made by Mrs McAleese in 2005, which compared Protestant attitudes to Catholics during the height of The Troubles to Nazi Germany before the war. She later apologised for the comment.
Protesters also complained they were not informed about the visit and claimed the school did not properly consult with the local community.
Mrs McAleese spent time, during her visit, with Primary 1 and 2 pupils before listening to a musical recital from Year 6 and Year 7 pupils. She was visiting the school to observe innovative early years teaching techniques imported from Finland.
Earlier this morning, Millburn Primary School's Principal, John Platt, said he was being intimidated after inviting the President to the school.
Mr Platt also said flags were put up outside the school and leaflets opposing the visit were being handed out outside the gates.
He told the BBC: "In school, they've advised me that they don't want this visit to take place.
"They have taped conversations unofficially inside the building, they have handed over materials outside and they have a selection of flags up around the school.
"There's been quite a to-ing and fro-ing of quite strong language about what should and shouldn't happen."
(JM/KMcA)
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