The deputy First Minister has been been challenged by Northern Ireland’s first black mayor after the DUP MLA said she had told the Secretary of State many people have real concerns about immigration.
Emma Little Pengelly posted on X, formerly Twitter, last night that she had spoken to Hilary Benn, the new Northern Ireland Secretary about the weekend violence following an anti-immigration protest.
“We agreed on the importance of strong, collective opposition to all violence and disorder,” she tweeted.
“I also highlighted importance to recognise that there are many with genuinely held concerns not involved in violence or racism.”
One of those responding to the tweet was SDLP councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr, the new Mayor of Derry and Strabane, who arrived in Derry 14 years ago as a refugee from Kenya and works with migrants.
She posted: “Deputy First Minister, Can I ask why these “genuine concerns” are directed at immigrants rather than at the government that has contributed to the issues facing this country?”
There was no immediate response from Ms Little Pengelly.
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While Ms Little Pengelly and First Minister Michelle O’Neill released a joint statement yesterday, both women posted messages on social media separately and with different emphases.
Unlike Ms Little Pengelly, Ms O’Neill did not recognise concerns over immigration in her post.
She wrote: “There is no place anywhere on our island for racism or attacks on minority communities.
“Today, I spoke to PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, and we agreed that the shared priority must be protecting lives and property and facing down racism, violence and intimidation.
“Co-operation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána is essential to ensure that those responsible for causing and orchestrating the racist violence on Saturday face the full force of the law.
“Sinn Féin will also be supporting a recall of the Assembly to bring all parties together to unite and speak with one voice against racism.
“As your First Minister, I will stand strong and resolute with all in our community against racism, and continue to work with everyone across society to build a shared, peaceful, and inclusive future.”
In between those two statements, the First and deputy First Ministers had released their joint statement.
They said: “While people are entitled to take part in peaceful protest there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday.
“Today we have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered him our full support and we pledged to work to deliver a shared, peaceful and inclusive society.
“There must be a zero tolerance approach to racism and wanton destruction. Nobody should have to live in fear or threat of violence.
“Again, we would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”
However, part of that was cut and paste from a previous statement on Sunday.