02 June 2009

Belfast Rallies Against Sectarianism

A public rally was held at Belfast City Hall this lunch time, to express outrage at the brutal sectarian murder of Coleraine father-of-four Kevin McDaid.

The demonstration was organised by a number of trade unions, who wanted to show their solidarity with the McDaid family.

Mr McDaid, a Catholic, was beaten to death by a loyalist mob close to his home last weekend.

It is believed trouble flared in the area after a contentious football match. So far nine men have been charged in connection with the murder, and attempted murder of Damien Fleming, who was also set upon.

Mr Fleming remains critically ill in hospital.

Today's event was staged at 12.30pm, and has been supported by representatives of Belfast Community Workers and the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Organisers said the protest was in the same spirit as the rally held two months ago in the wake of the murder of two soldiers and a police officer by dissident republicans.

Workers across the city were asked to support the rally, and demonstrate their contempt for sectarianism.

See: Funeral For Slain Coleraine Man

(PR/BMcC)