Thousands will take to the streets in 'show of strength'
Related Articles
THOUSANDS are expected to pour onto the streets of Northern Ireland today for a series of peace rallies in defiance of the RIRA and CIRA murderers.
After a wave of condemnation of murders of PSNI constable Stephen Carroll and British soldiers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkar the public are now expected to voice their anger.
The Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) have called for the public to participate in the protests at Belfast City Hall, Londonderry Guildhall Square and Newry Town Hall from 1pm today.
Peter Bunting, assistant general secretary of the ICTU, said the public must face down those behind the killings with a "massive display of the unity of the people of Northern Ireland.
Delinquents
"This show of strength from civil society will send a clear message to the killers who do not deserve the monopoly of the word 'dissident'. The word is too good for them. They are delinquents," he said. "A clear message will also go to the outside world which makes clear the decency and humanity of the people of Northern Ireland."
Clergy leaders have also voiced their condemnation at the two atrocities. The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Rev Alan Harper, appealed for the community to help the police.
"Violent acts do not serve the legitimate political aspirations of anyone on this island," he said.
The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education said now is the time for strong leadership.
- Victoria O'Hara
