New Lodge Violence Is 'Dragging Us All Back'- Greens

In the wake of a series of public disorder incidents surrounding a bonfire in the New Lodge, a Green Party councillor has claimed the violence is dragging the people of Northern Ireland back to the past.

A teenager has been left in critical condition after he was stabbed in the back on Thursday evening, 08 August, while a 39-year-old man also received stab wounds during violence after the controversial anti-internment bonfire went up in flames.

Earlier in the day, three police officers sustained injuries as youths launched masonry and fireworks towards a police line. A heavy presence had been established in the area to safely facilitate the bonfire's removal by contractors, however the operation was later abandoned.

Green Party councillor for the Castle area, Mal O'Hara hit out at those behind the disorder and highlighted the persisting anti-social behaviour issues plaguing the New Lodge community.

"The people in control of this bonfire are dragging us all back to a place where we don't want to be," he commented.

"I believe the location of the bonfire and its size represented a deliberate attempt to create friction with the police and an excuse for a night of disorder.

"Communities are entitled to mark significant points in time like the introduction of internment. 

"However, what happened in the New Lodge including stabbings and violence spilling out into other areas has brought nothing but shame to our area.

"It plays into the hands of people who would want to denigrate the working class communities of North Belfast."

Two suspects, aged 28 and 21, were arrested early this morning at an address off the Oldpark Road on suspicion of offences including causing grievous bodily harm with intent following the stabbings.

A 13-year-old was arrested earlier in the day on suspicion of riotous and disorderly behaviour.

Cllr O'Hara continued: "There is a wider problem with anti-social behaviour in the New Lodge and many young people have a contempt for any sense of law and order – they probably haven't heard of the so called peace dividend let alone felt any benefit from it.

"I know the greater New Lodge community is strong and will regroup in the coming days. A score of young people manipulated by others can create mayhem within a community. I know, however that the people in the area are resilient. 

"I expect that elected representatives will come together with all statutory agencies and police to ensure that there is no repeat of this horrible incident."



(JG/CM)