Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie MC, has described the disturbances that took place in the Creggan area of Londonderry earlier today as a depressing reflection of our past.
Doug Beattie MC MLA said:
“The footage of children - some as young as 12 - pelting the PSNI with petrol bombs is a depressing reflection of our past and a possible insight to our future. It is thoroughly depressing watching these children riot in the Creggan estate in Londonderry at the behest of so-called dissident republicans, who are seeking to follow the road map laid down by Sinn Fein, who weren’t averse to orchestrating the odd riot in the past.
“It may be that the manufactured political vacuum we find ourselves in is leaving some people feeling disenfranchised and easy pickings for the men of violence, but in reality, politics has little attraction for the type of people who are wedded to violence, fear and the hold that brings over communities which are subjugated and forced to live in misery as a result.
“This Easter Uprising commemoration could have proceeded in a respectful way, mindful that many in our society see it as an important historical event. In that context they need only comply with the law, request permission to parade and refrain from wearing paramilitary style uniforms. However, yet again Republicans chose to do the opposite and in doing so they mobilised a vulnerable cohort of children to provide cover and set them up with a criminal record which will follow them into adulthood.
“Ironically this took place in the same Council district that last week voted to stop the lawful Armed Forces of the State from hosting careers advice in local schools – they would have been better suited focusing on how to keep children out of the clutches of illegal terrorist groups.
“While calling for the PSNI to take robust retrospective action against the organisers of this illegal parade and those in paramilitary uniforms, I also call on the judiciary to set a penalty that fits the crime. I also call on parents - in all communities in Northern Ireland - to ensure that their children are not getting sucked into this type of activity to face the consequences, whilst the men who organised it sit safely in the local pub, drinking beer and making hollow boasts.”