In the wake of the terrible attack on the young teenager in Ballymena at the weekend SDLP North Antrim MLA Seán Farren has challenged the DUP’s approach to combating sectarianism.
Mr Farren said: “Words of condemnation and demands for stiffer sentences for those found guilty of sectarian attacks are not sufficient if we are to effectively rid ourselves of this social poison.
“What is required is resolute action by all sections of the community working together, creating partnerships and demonstrating real respect for each other’s traditions.
“The image of politicians in constant controversy over who is right, over what happened in the past, over who committed the greatest wrongs, translates itself into the public arena and perpetuates the kind of hostile attitudes towards each other that leads to attacks like that on Saturday night.
“Whether we are prepared to acknowledge it or not the truth is young people are influenced by these postures.
“Political leaders who fail to work for a genuine partnership in our society are not behaving in the best interests of our society. When they take full control of a council like that in Ballymena they are not being democratic. They are simply saying that one side controls everything and that there is no room for any other tradition.
“If we want to see Ballymena become a more harmonious community we must show that everyone is welcome and people of every lawful tradition has a contribution to make.
“To achieve this goal requires a genuine political lead that can only be given by all politicians working together and respecting each other.
“The DUP has shown itself reluctant to take the steps necessary to give this political lead. Until it does its words of condemnation however sincere in themselves remain inadequate.”