Call For Political Unity After Portrush Wall Daubed In Racist Graffiti

There have been calls for political and community action in Portrush after a wall in the town was daubed with the words 'Syrians not welcome'.

Police are treating the graffiti painted on a property in the west Strand area as a racist hate crime.

It is believed to have appeared on the wall sometime between 5pm on Saturday 02 March, and the early hours of Sunday.

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald slammed those responsible and said that political and community leaders need to make it clear with "one voice" that there is no place for racism in society.

She said: "I condemn unreservedly those responsible for painting racist graffiti in the West Strand car park. This is outrageous, racism has no place in our society. I have contacted the council to have this display of racist hatred removed and I call on anyone with information on those responsible to bring it forward to the police.

"This is not the first incident of racist displays in the town. It is wrong, it is unacceptable and it needs to stop. I will be raising the issue with the PSNI in a meeting later this week.

"But there is also an onus on local political and community leaders in Portrush to stand together and speak with one voice in opposition to those attempting to stoke up racial hatred and tensions."

It comes as Portrush prepares to hold the 148th Open Golf title, with tens of thousands of visitors due to descend on the region this summer.

Ms Archibald continued: "Portrush is preparing to showcase the town and the north coast to thousands of people who will come here to enjoy the Open Golf Tournament and the festivities which surround it. This is a huge opportunity for businesses in the town, for tourism and to highlight all that is great about this region.

"We have to ensure a small minority of racists get the message loud and clear their displays of hatred are unacceptable to the people of this area and wider society."

Meanwhile, SDLP MLA John Dallat condemned the racist attack and called for the immediate removal of the graffiti.

"This xenophobia must not be allowed to occupy our public spaces," he commented.

"Many people have worked hard to welcome the Syrian people here and they will not be deterred by this racist outburst. I don't want to see Portrush or any other area of Northern Ireland become some kind of perverted soapbox for those who are so poisoned by hatred that compassion in their minds and hearts doesn't exist."

Police have appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information which may help their enquiries to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 506 3/3/19.



(JG/CM)