The gathering of a “mob” outside the home of the Justice Minister, Naomi Long and her husband, Michael has been branded as nothing short of “intimidation” by the Deputy Leader of the Alliance Party.
Addressing the incident – which occurred on Wednesday evening (October 8) – MLA for Upper Bann, Eoin Tennyson made clear that, in his opinion, it was “not a protest. It was a clear attempt to intimidate and harass politicians in their home.”
According to a report by BBC News, Alliance Cllr Michael Long, said “about 40 people, some wearing masks” turned up at the house to protest. The report states it is believed the protest related to the housing of sex offenders in residential areas.
In a social media post Ms Long – who is also the leader of the Alliance Party – added: “Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn’t on.
“It isn’t engagement and it isn’t legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police.”
Describing the couple as two of the most “diligent, accessible and hard-working politicians, who are always up for public scrutiny and robust debate”, the MLA added, “But what happened at Naomi and Michael’s home crossed a line.”
He also argued the incident was a “violation of their privacy and personal safety”.
Addressing an irony within the situation, Mr Tennyson said he had no doubt that many in the “mob” would “claim to be defenders of women and girls.” Yet he said they sought to intimidate a politician who, he says, “has a stronger record than any of us in Northern Ireland at tackling violence against women and girls”.
Added Tennyson: “We have been here just over a decade ago where we had Alliance offices targeted and burnt out because of the kind of political rhetoric that was being stirred up both inside and outside of this chamber.
“So, of course, now we will be taking steps to ensure the personal safety of all of our elected representatives and councillors because that has to be paramount.
“But what we will not waver on is our continued determination to work for everyone in our society and represent the values that we, and I believe most people in Northern Ireland, hold dear.”
