Sectarian graffiti a typical Kilkeel welcome

Sectarian graffiti in Kilkeel

Sinn Féin's spokesperon on Human Rights, Caitríona Ruane MLA, has described the loyalist graffiti daubed on walls in Kilkeel last Thursday as sinister and threatening.

"The slogans painted on walls at Newell's Cross on Thursday night 15 April, can only be described as an incitement to hatred and must be removed immediately," she said. "The graffiti, warning 'No Taigs on the streets of Kilkeel' and 'No Taigs beyond this point' are an explicit threat to the nationalist community. It is a threat that must be taken seriously, as the history of Kilkeel has shown that Catholics are regularly targeted by loyalist gangs."

Ruane said that the threatening graffiti is a precursor to the loyalist marching season and in particular a large loyalist band parade in the town this coming Saturday 24 April.

The South Down Assembly member said that the party will be ask that the Parades Commission take this graffiti and its proximity to the band parade on Saturday night into consideration when it makes its determination on the loyalist parade.