Assembly speaker Edwin Poots has declined to explain why he failed to condemn a racially-motivated attack earlier this week in his South Belfast constituency.
The Irish News approached the former DUP leader after none of the party’s representatives in the area commented on an arson attack in the Village on Monday night.
A motorcycle parked outside a property on Frenchpark Street was destroyed by fire and caused scorch damage, while a second fire was lit underneath a car in what police said was a racially-motivated attack.
Mr Poots, who attended the scene of sectarian disorder at Broadway in July, acknowledged the query from this newspaper about the lack of condemnation but did not to provide a substantive response.
Following riots in his constituency earlier this month, the speaker of the assembly said the violence, which saw businesses owned by ethnic minorities attacked, was “totally wrong and unacceptable”.
He said people in the area were “angry and frustrated” and that “working people are being driven out of the community because housing is unaffordable and unattainable”.
Mr Poots said it was “essential that we meet the needs of people who have lived in an area for generations”.
A DUP spokesperson told The Irish News there was “no place for racism” or for attacks on any person or property.
“We urge anyone with information to give it to the police – with such attacks, it is only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured,” the spokesperson said.
“DUP representatives have met with business owners impacted by recent disorder to offer support and encouragement. They have also been in contact with other residents not directly impacted, but who have been left fearful.”
A spokesperson for the Ulster Unionists, which does not have any elected representatives in South Belfast, said the party had “consistently condemned” all recent racist attacks.
South Belfast and Mid-Down MP Claire Hanna said all parties needed to stand up to those involved in and orchestrating the violence
“This is a time for real leadership, to challenge not just violence and disorder, but the prejudice and disinformation which are driving it,” she said.
“Addressing aggressive race hate, as well as public services and regeneration challenges, is a job for all parties and none can sit it out to avoid tough conversations.”
Alliance MLA Paul Bradshaw said many people in South Belfast were “living in fear”.
“It is crucial all political parties represented in the local area, as well as organisations and statutory agencies, come together to show leadership and unity on this matter, and give those impacted any practical help needed to recover,” she said.
“Alliance’s recent recall of the assembly was designed to do just that – speak with a united voice and say the recent disorder and violence seen in South Belfast and elsewhere is rejected by the vast majority of local people.”
