Among those present at the protest was former UVF bank robber turned so-called “citizen journalist”, Mark Sinclair, AKA Freedom Dad
A mayor has told how she was shoved with a placard outside a council meeting which also saw several other councillors “verbally accosted and physically intimidated”.
Mayor Leah Kirkpatrick was commenting after a crowd of 30 gathered as elected members were leaving a meeting at Antrim and Newtownabbey Council’s Mossley Mill HQ in Newtownabbey on Monday night.
Individuals had gathered outside the council offices on Monday night with posters including an AI-generated image of Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, Michelle O’Neill and Gerry Adams surrounded by crocodiles in the colour of the Palestinian flag.
Among those present at the protest was former UVF bank robber turned so-called “citizen journalist”, Mark Sinclair, AKA Freedom Dad.
The protest had been teased online a number of hours prior but the location was not publicised and organisers are understood to have sent it to select individuals they wanted to attend.
Footage of the incident, which has appeared on YouTube, shows Sinclair following a number of councillors to their cars while the PSNI watch on.
In a statement on Tuesday night, UUP Mayor Leah Kirkpatrick said: “I am shocked and dismayed by what I saw last night with the deliberate intimidation of elected representatives outside the council chamber.
“What unfolded was in stark contrast to the goodwill expressed inside the meeting, where we witnessed a historic moment with an all female top table for the first time and a unanimous decision by all parties to condemn the disgraceful graffiti on the Glengormley war memorial.
“The scenes outside were nothing short of chaos and should never have happened, it was a step too far. I personally experienced being shoved with a placard by one of the protestors, whether accidental or not, they shouldn’t have been so close. Questions must be asked of the PSNI’s handling of the situation, which left much to be desired.
“The Ulster Unionist Council group has raised our concerns directly with the PSNI. I have absolutely no issue with people protesting, it’s their democratic right. However, what we experienced last night was a step too far”.
Group Leader Mark Cosgrove added: “While we respect the right to peaceful protest, threats or intimidation against elected representatives are wrong and will not be tolerated.
“We will never accept any attempt to bully or threaten councillors. We are not going back to the dark days, this is a democracy.
“If people feel strongly about an issue, which is the bedrock of any democracy, they should make their voices heard at the ballot box, not through threats and intimidation. Following last night’s ordeal, the Ulster Unionist Council group has raised concerns directly with the PSNI.”
Speaking after the incident, the Sinn Féin council group leader, Maighréad Ní Chonghaile, said: “Tonight Sinn Féin councillors were verbally accosted and physically intimidated by a hostile crowd as they left a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council.
“A mob of up to 30 individuals carrying banners and placards verbally threatened councillors as they left the building and moved into the car park on their way home. “The PSNI maintained a presence throughout but did not intervene. Our councillors felt physically threatened and intimidated by the unrestrained behaviour of these individuals. “Whilst being the subject of intense verbal attack, lights and cameras were placed in the faces of individual councillors. “I absolutely condemn this attempt to interfere with public representatives conducting their lawful democratic business. Sinn Féin will not be deflected from providing representation for all citizens in Antrim and Newtownabbey Council. I will be demanding that both council management and the PSNI review security arrangements for councillors while attending council business.
“Sinn Féin will be seeking meetings with the council Chief Executive and the PSNI District Commander to address this attempt at mob rule tonight.”
A PSNI spokesperson confirmed that police were made aware of a planned protest and that officers were in attendance to ensure public safety, facilitate the right to peaceful protest, and to help minimise disruption to the wider community. Antrim and Newtownabbey Superintendent Rosie Thompson said: “Police will review all evidence gathered and enquiries into the matter are ongoing. “We will work with the council and will extend offers to meet representatives from all political parties and independents and have offered the services of our crime prevention officer, in addition to other relevant safety advice. “We, in the Police Service of Northern Ireland will continue to do all we can to ensure that our local representatives feel supported and safe in our communities and that they can undertake their role free from intimidation and fear.”
When contacted by Belfast Live, a spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said: “Council Officers are investigating the matter and liaising with Elected Members and the PSNI.”
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