Those behind attacks have 'no plan, strategy or vision for the future' - Mary Lou McDonald

» Michael McMonagle

"Attacks on republican leaders, attacks on neighbours and communities, wherever they happen, are attacks on society as a whole and society understands that." - Mary Lou McDonald

Those responsible for the bomb attacks on the homes of Gerry Adams and Bobby Storey, and the recent disturbances in Derry, have no "plan, strategy or vision for the future," Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has said. 

The Sinn Féin leader made the remarks ahead of a rally in Belfast tonight to show solidarity with Gerry Adams and Bobby Storey whose homes were attacks with explosive devices at the weekend. 

Speaking to the media in Belfast alongside Sinn Féin vice President Michelle O'Neill and West Belfast MLA Pat Sheehan, the Sinn Féin president encouraged people to attend tonight's rally in Andersonstown. 

Mary Lou McDonald said Sinn Féin would not be intimidated by such attacks and added that communities will not be bullied by those intent on causing violence and disruption. 

“There is no appetite, no excuse and no purpose behind the violence that occurred," she said. 

"Attacks on republican leaders, attacks on neighbours and communities, wherever they happen, are attacks on society as a whole and society understands that," the Dublin Central TD added. 

The Sinn Féin President said that those intent on violence have nothing to offer society. 

“Michelle and I were in Derry on Friday, we spoke to the people in the Bogside - they made it very clear how angry they are at a very small element that has brought hardship and trouble and panic in some cases to elderly residents and I know here in Belfast there is widespread anger.

“There is zero tolerance for any element that would set out to cause harm or to cause disruption.

“Those intent on this disruption have no political plan, have no political strategy, have no vision for the future. People in Belfast and Derry and right across Ireland now are ambitious for ourselves and for our families and for a new Ireland.

“Nobody, no faction, no element is going to get in the way of those ambitions," she said.