Rev Mervyn Gibson - ‘Fascists are a total anathema to the unionist community’

The recent violence has to be condemned unreservedly, as does racism in any form. There is no place for racism in the United Kingdom, indeed a campaign in Northern Ireland several years ago pointed out you ‘Can’t be a loyalist and a racist’.

With regard to the fascist groups or individuals who stoke the flames of racism - they are a total anathema to the unionist community.

Every November we remember those men and women of the armed forces who laid down their lives in order to stop fascism in Europe. It wasn’t acceptable then, and it’s not acceptable now, not ever.

It’s necessary to make these points because the usual blinkered commentators will pen their tiresome attempts to demonise unionism anyway they can - in this instance by linking it to racism, often repeating misinformation, highlighting supposedly absent condemnation or simply engaging in outright bigoted commentary.

Meanwhile, many unionists get on with addressing the issues. It is a given that we would condemn racism. Gesture condemnation is often about serving the agenda of that individual or group.

Community groups in east Belfast provide services and support to all, regardless of colour or creed, not only during this past week, but throughout the year.

We could get into the finger pointing game as to which part of the city is more racist, (and it’s not east Belfast), however that would do little to assist those who need support at this time, especially those who have been attacked or feel threatened.

The reality on the ground in east Belfast is that the over whelming majority of those forming new communities are getting on with their lives and moving freely around the area - as it should be.

However, that is not to discount the genuine fear held by some, and it is important that as good neighbours we befriend and support those who believe they are not safe.

Thankfully, the recent disturbances in east Belfast were not accompanied by racist attacks which were witnessed in other parts of the city.

However, regardless of the motivation, the rioting was not justified and merely added to the growing tension. The priority for all of us is to calm the situation. The PSNI should be fully supported in their efforts to stop the risk of violence from any quarter. Equally they should be encouraged to police all protests equitably.

The mantra of many so called ‘progressive spokespersons’ reacting to the recent protests was you are not allowed to hold or express legitimate concerns about uncontrolled immigration or mention the many social problems which bedevil society.

Their ‘moderate’ response to those expressing genuine concerns was to practically brand them as card carrying Nazis. What nonsense.

The reality is that as a society, we need to address the multiplicity of issues which are contributing to inequality and a growing underclass.

Those issues impact people regardless of their ethnicity or faith. We need to see strategies, policies and most importantly actions which are achievable, workable, fundable and successful.

There is no magic wand, all parties must contribute positively to addressing the problems with the health service, education and housing. I suspect all communities, new and established, would benefit in seeing slum landlords forced to provide affordable and liveable accommodation, where those who can afford it least, are often exploited.

Those charged with enhancing community relationships, need to stop being risk adverse and invest in local community groups to enhance all relationships within communities. Community Relations has become a self-perpetuating industry, with little impact, as recent events appear to show.

Lastly, why was I not on the streets standing shoulder to shoulder with some in those protests who were Hamas supporters and justifiers of terrorism? I, and many other unionists take to the streets every year to celebrate the ‘Glorious Revolution’, and the Dutch immigrant King William III’s victory at the Boyne, which promised civil and religious liberty for all.

As recent events remind us, that noble ideal is perhaps still a work in progress. Let’s hope that all communities can get on with living out this motto and by doing so make Northern Ireland a racist, fascist and terror supporting free zone.