Police meet residents following sectarian attacks on properties
Belfast Telegraph, May 28th, 2025
Police and politicians have met following sectarian attacks at a new social housing complex in north Belfast.
Last week masked individuals threw bricks at a number of properties in the Annalee Street and Alloa Street areas.
The PSNI is now providing round-the-clock protection for families living in the area, with officers having been seen in the area late at night.
The PSNI said they are also providing “enhanced patrols” in the area.
The area is close to a notorious interface that was the scene for intense violence during the Troubles and a number of families in the area have since confirmed they plan to move out following the attacks.
Police confirmed they met with residents yesterday morning.
PSNI Chief Inspector Mullan said: “This meeting, which was also attended by political representatives and housing providers, was one of a number of recent meetings during which we have had the opportunity to listen to residents' legitimate concerns.
“Our investigation into the recent reports of criminal damage and intimidation is actively ongoing and we continue to carry out enquiries in the area.
“We are focused on keeping the residents safe, and are providing enhanced patrols in the area as we work towards a resolution in conjunction with our community partners.”
No place for hate crimes
Chief Inspector Mullan continued: “As we have stated repeatedly, hate crime has no place in our society. It is absolutely unacceptable that anyone should be subject to criminality because of who they are.
“A whole-society approach is needed in order to put a stop to this thuggery. Everyone should join us in condemning these acts and supporting the residents under attack.
“We would continue to encourage anyone with information which might assist with our investigation to contact us on 101.
“We also know that fear and intimidation is used to stop people from speaking up about those involved in these incidents.
“If you feel you are unable to speak with police directly, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity, which guarantees you will remain completely anonymous when you contact them either via our website or on the phone.
“Please remember that with Crimestoppers you have an alternative and no one will ever know you contacted them.”
The Crimestoppers phone number is 0800 555 111.
Former MP Gildernew loses party job in SF shake-up
Allison Morris, Belfast Telegraph, May 28th, 2025
HIGH-PROFILE POLITICIAN ONE OF FIVE STAFF AXED AMID RADICAL OVERHAUL
Sinn Fein has let go a number of employees in a radical party restructuring — including a high-profile former MP.
Michelle Gildernew was MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone until the 2024 General Election.
She chose not to defend her seat, instead standing unsuccessfully in the Republic for election to the European Parliament.
Having missed out, she has been a paid member of party staff since, being employed in a number of backroom roles. However, sources say she is one of five people to have lost their jobs.
Her brother Colm Gildernew remains on the Sinn Fein team as an MLA for Fermanagh-South Tyrone.
Party insiders say it is part of a restructuring following a review into how Sinn Fein operates that was ordered by leader Mary Lou McDonald last year after a period of internal crisis. The “complete overhaul” of governance procedures was ordered last October, but sources say the review was extended and went beyond governance to look at the efficiency of the party.
Radical changes expected
The party previously said a report would be published before Christmas. But it has since been delayed, with more radical changes expected.
Ms McDonald commissioned the report in the aftermath of a series of controversies regarding allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving party members and elected representatives.
It was in response to scandals relating to former press officer Michael McMonagle, who was convicted of child sex offences, and former senator Niall Ó Donnghaile, who quit the party after sending inappropriate texts to a teenager.
Press officers Seán Mag Uidhir and Caolán McGinley quit their jobs after it emerged the pair had given references for McMonagle while he was under investigation, allowing him to secure work at a charity. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing on the part of the five people being laid off, nor any link to the circumstances that gave rise to the departure of the three press officers, or Mr Ó Donnghaile. Instead, they appear to have fallen foul of a recommended downsizing of paid staff.
It brings to an end a 30-year career for Ms Gildernew, who has worked for Sinn Fein since 1996. She served as MP for Fermanagh-South Tyrone from 2001-2015, and again from 2017-2024.
Once one of the party's most high-profile and outspoken members, she is also a former minister in the Stormont Executive.
She was one of the original Assembly team elected in 1998, remaining until July 2012 before standing for the Westminster seat once held by IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.
In the 2015 General Election she lost the seat to the UUP's Tom Elliott.
She was re-elected to the Assembly in 2016 and 2017, and in 2017 reclaimed her Westminster seat from Mr Elliott.
In 2019 she was re-elected with the smallest majority of any constituency in the UK — 57 votes.
In January 2024 Ms Gildernew was announced as one of two Sinn Fein candidates for the Midlands-North-West constituency at the 2024 European election.
She later announced she would not be going forward as a candidate in the Westminster election so as to focus on her campaign for Europe.
She received 45,807 first preferences votes in the EU poll but was not elected in what was seen as a case of overreach by Sinn Fein.
Her running mate, outgoing MEP Chris MacManus, lost his seat.
At the time Ms Gildernew insisted she had “no regrets” about running for Europe.
“Everything happens for a reason and I think it was the right time for me to step aside in Fermanagh-South Tyrone,” she said last June.
Asked about her future in politics, Ms Gildernew responded: “I have no idea.”
Pat Cullen, former head of the Royal College of Nursing, was selected to run for Sinn Fein in Fermanagh-South Tyrone.
She won the seat with a majority of 4,486 votes despite being up against a single unionist candidate, the UUP's Diana Armstrong.
In a statement, Sinn Fein said: “The governance review initiated by party president Mary Lou McDonald in October 2024, and overseen by General Secretary Sam Baker, has no remit in regard to employment contracts.”
O’Neill is ‘determined to see Casement Park over the line’
Rebecca Black, Irish News, May 28th, 2025
South Antrim GAA chairman Kevin Gamble speaks to the thousands of gaelic games players and supporters who marched to the derelict Casement Park stadium in west Belfast last month to demand its redevelopment
FIRST Minister Michelle O’Neill has said she is “determined” to see the redevelopment of Casement Park.
The planned refurb of the derelict GAA ground in west Belfast has faced years of delay due to legal action by concerned residents and funding uncertainty.
Asked for an update on the situation during Executive Office questions yesterday by SDLP MLA Justin McNulty, Ms O’Neill said she consistently raises Casement Park with all levels of the British and Irish governments.
She was also due to meet with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to discuss it yesterday afternoon.
Currently plans for a 34,000-capacity venue on the site are in limbo due to a major funding gap of around £150 million.
Last year the UK government ended hopes that the west Belfast venue would host Euro 2028 soccer games when it said it would not bridge the funding gap to deliver the reconstruction in time.
The Stormont Executive has committed £62.5m to the redevelopment, the Irish government has offered roughly £42m while the GAA has pledged to contribute at least £15m.
The British government has said it will decide if it will make a contribution to the build costs as part of next month’s UK-wide Spending Review.
However, Secretary of State Hilary Benn has made clear that even if the government does divert money to the project, the sum will not alone bridge the current funding gap.
‘Executive Flagship Project’
Ms O’Neill said yesterday: “We have to put every bit of energy and effort that we have to ensure that it will be built.
“This is an Executive flagship project.
“I am determined to see it over the line, and I’m determined to work with all partners to ensure that that is the case.”
Referring to Mr Lyons attending his first GAA match in post at the weekend, Ms O’Neill said she hopes he “got a sense of how important it is to Gaels right across this island to play games in their own stadiums”.
“ I can say that I am determined to continue to work with everybody to ensure that the funding contribution is put on the table so that we can get on with actually building the project.
“But I am absolutely determined to ensure that we get movement on Casement Park, and that means working with the minister, that means working with the British government, the Irish government, the GAA and all partners who are committed to ensuring that this project gets over the line,” she said.
“It is going to take all the partners working together to ensure that it is across the line.
“We missed a huge opportunity in terms of the Euros not being able to play and have our part in all of that, and the economic benefit that that would have brought to us all.
“It’s a long overdue home for Ulster Gaels, and it is now time to get it built.
“I can say that I am determined to continue to work with everybody to ensure that the funding contribution is put on the table so that we can get on with actually building the project.”
Six officials here among highest paid health managers across UK
Garrett Hargan, Belfast Telegraph, May 28th, 2025
£200K-PLUS WAGES 'UNJUSTIFIABLE' DUE TO TRUSTS' FAILURE TO TACKLE WAITING LISTS, SAYS LOBBY GROUP
A number of local health chiefs are among an elite band of earners with pay in excess of £200,000 while overseeing the longest hospital waiting times in the UK.
Figures from right-wing pressure group the Tax Payers' Alliance detailing salaries for 2023/24 show 1,694 senior managers across the NHS earned more than £100,000, with 279 (16%) taking home £200,000-£300,000.
There are six people here whose salaries were in the latter category.
Then Belfast Trust chief executive Cathy Jack was the highest earner in Northern Ireland during the period with a salary of £237,500.
She was joined by South Eastern Trust medical director Charlie Martyn (£232,500), and Northern Trust executive director of medicine David Watkins, Southern Trust executive director of medicine Stephen Austin, and then Southern Trust chief executive Maria O'Kane, all on £217,500.
Western Trust medical director Brendan Lavery was on a salary of £202,500.
The pressure group thinks pay should be related to performance.
Despite Stormont putting waiting lists at the top its agenda, the Programme for Government states: “We have the longest hospital waiting times in the UK, with people struggling to get the treatment they need.
“In recent years pressure has increased due to both a rise in demand but also the impact of the pandemic on the Health and Social Care system. These have combined adding to the backlog of patients awaiting care. This backlog is unacceptable.”
University Hospitals Plymouth chief executive Ann James was the UK's highest paid NHS manager.
She received £397,500 total remuneration in 2023/24. The trust was ranked 95 out of 136 in England for A&E waiting times.
Paul Bachoo, acute medical and portfolio lead at NHS Grampian, was the highest paid senior manager in Scotland (£242,500).
The trust was ranked 12 out of 14 for waiting times for elective treatment and 10 out of 14 for A&E waiting times in the country.
Shimeon Lee of the TaxPayers' Alliance said: “Taxpayers will be appalled that while NHS patients face prolonged waiting lists and dismal A&E performance, hundreds of senior managers are pocketing six-figure pay packets.
“No one disputes that frontline staff deserve decent pay.
“But this rich-list shows that there are sky-high salaries for senior bureaucrats, many in underachieving trusts, that are impossible to justify.
Rewarding Failure
“If ministers are serious about getting the NHS back on track, they need to ensure that managers of poor performing trusts aren't being rewarded for failure, put patients first, and ensure best practice is spread throughout the health service.”
While they may seem high, the salaries of some local health bosses pale in comparison to leading officials at our universities.
For example, Western Trust chief Neil Guckian, who is responsible for around 12,500 staff, earns £125,000-£130,000.
But Ulster University vice chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew has a salary of £263,000, with pension contributions of £57,000.
Professor Sir Ian Greer, vice chancellor at Queen's University Belfast, gets a pay packet of £330,000, with pension contributions of £20,000.
Health sources say the role of senior management involves “life and death” decision-making, and they can be responsible for many more staff than other high-profile public sector earners.
The First and Deputy First Ministers earn £124,500, while the head of the Civil Service is on a maximum of £202,239.
The previous Education Authority chief executive was on £140k-£145k.
Former Chief Constable Simon Byrne was on a salary of £225-£230k, according to the latest PSNI annual report available online.
Meanwhile, council chiefs here have an income ranging from £130,000-£160,000 per year.
The Department of Health told the Belfast Telegraph: “Senior health service executives are tasked with leading the health and social care system through unprecedented and deep-seated challenges.
“Salary levels in some cases will also reflect remuneration for individuals as senior doctors.
“Remuneration for executives is also important in terms of recruiting and retaining future leaders.”
All health trusts were contacted.
TUV challenges the neutral status of Irish signage after poll results
Suzanne Breen, Belfast Telegraph, May 28th, 2025
MLA WRITES TO EQUALITY BODY EXPRESSING HIS 'DEEP CONCERN'
The TUV has written to the Equality Commission expressing “deep concern” about Irish language signs in public spaces following an opinion poll showing unionist unease with the signage.
North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston is asking the commission to re-evaluate classification of the signs as “a neutral act”.
He contacted the body after a LucidTalk poll for the Belfast Telegraph on Saturday showed strong unionist opposition to bilingual signs at the city's new Grand Central Station.
Some 97% of TUV voters were against them, along with 91% of DUP and 71% of UUP supporters.
Overall, 50% of people in Northern Ireland agree with the signs being erected, while 43% disagree and 7% don't have an opinion. Bilingual signage is supported by a majority of Sinn Fein, SDLP and Alliance voters.
In his letter to the equality body's chief commissioner, Dr Geraldine McGahey, Mr Gaston includes data from the LucidTalk poll.
“I write to express deep concern regarding the implementation of Irish language signage in public spaces, particularly in light of recent findings that highlight significant unease within the unionist community,” he said.
‘Not culturally neutral’
“These figures underscore a pervasive sentiment that such initiatives are not culturally neutral but are perceived as politically motivated actions that marginalise the unionist community.”
Mr Gaston included other earlier polling data which showed that 71% of unionist voters said they would be more likely to move away if Irish language street signs were erected in their area, with 88% less likely to move into areas with such signage.
Three-quarters of unionists indicated they would be less likely to use leisure centres featuring Irish signage.
Mr Gaston said: “These statistics suggest that the introduction of Irish language signage contributes to a 'chill factor', leading to the voluntary displacement of unionist individuals from certain areas — a phenomenon that could be interpreted as a form of non-violent cultural displacement.”
He added: “In light of these findings, I request the Equality Commission to re-evaluate the classification of Irish language signage as a 'neutral act' in the context of its impact on community relations or produce evidence of polling which supports that.
“I would ask the commission to consider the implications of the 'chill factor' on the unionist community and its alignment with the commission's mandate to promote equality and good relations.”
Mr Gaston also asked the commission to “advise public authorities to conduct thorough Equality Impact Assessments that genuinely reflect the concerns of all communities, ensuring that policies do not marginalise any group”.
He added: “A balanced approach that respects and acknowledges the diverse identities within Northern Ireland is essential for fostering genuine equality and mutual respect.
“I am not convinced that the Equality Commission's position on this matter to date reflects that. I look forward to your response on how the commission intends to address these concerns.”
An Equality Commission spokesperson said: “The commission can confirm we received this letter from Timothy Gaston MLA on Tuesday, May 27. We will consider Mr Gaston's request and respond in due course.”
TUV says UK-EU agreement violates principle of ‘cross-community consent’
By David Thompson, Belfast News Letter, May 28th, 2025
The government’s consultation on the future of the Windsor Framework is merely an attempt to “draw out the poison” left behind when it abandoned the foundational principle of the Belfast Agreement in pursuit of an all-Ireland economy, Jim Allister says.
The TUV leader’s comments come after his party submitted its view on the future of the Irish Sea border to the Murphy Review – set up in the wake of unionist rejection of the Protocol in a Stormont vote.
It passed with support from nationalists and Alliance, despite no support from any elected unionist.
The TUV’s submission carries a warning from a leading Northern Ireland business that under the deal there would be “little or no” manufacturing in seven years in Northern Ireland – with local firms unable to compete on a national or global stage.
It also argues that the criteria for triggering Article 16 of the Protocol – a safeguard to stop trade divergence and societal difficulties – has been met.
The Independent Review of the Windsor Framework was commissioned by the Secretary of State Hilary Benn in January, following a vote on the continued application of articles 5 to 10 of the Windsor Framework in the Assembly last December. Submissions close on Saturday.
Mr Allister told the News Letter: “This consultation is taking place in an attempt to draw out the poison left because the Government gave into the EU and pulled the requirement for cross community consent, facilitating the first majority vote on a significant issue at Stormont in over fifty years last December.
“The bizarre thing is that the EU and UK Government have repeatedly told us that the Windsor Framework, which mandated the vote, is imperative to protect the Belfast Agreement. Yet the Windsor Framework has pulled one of its most foundational provisions, cross community consent, leaving the Agreement in tatters.
300 areas of law making transferred to Dublin
“They might try to minimise their actions by saying this was only one vote, but it was the most controversial vote in the 104 year history of Northern Ireland. It involved approving the transfer of 300 areas of law making to Dublin and the rest of the EU for four years.
“The intent is obvious – the creation of an all-Ireland economy, the essential prerequisite of the break-up of the UK and creation of an all-Ireland state. To get to that point, the people of Northern Ireland were disenfranchised from this huge area of law making process.
“Moreover, we have to remember that this is not one vote but effectively engages all the votes that will be made in the making of laws in the 300 areas over the next four years. Having dismissed the need for cross community consent in relation to the most controversial proposition to come before Stormont in 104 years, what possible basis can there be for saying we need cross community consent on less controversial votes?
“Rather than helping the Belfast Agreement, the actions of the EU have done more to place the Agreement in jeopardy than any other actor in the last 27 years”.
The North Antrim MP said there is now an urgent imperative to replace the Irish Sea Border with mutual enforcement. He says a bill he brought before Westminster on the matter “would provide a means of managing the border without placing cross community consent, and thereby the entire Northern Ireland political settlement, in jeopardy.”
The party also argues that the Windsor Framework constitutes an existential threat to Northern Ireland manufacturing, quoting a recent interview with Ashley Piggot, the CEO of AJ Power on GB News.
Mr Piggot told the broadcaster: “We are still subject to all these duties etc and with rising costs our competitive situation is deteriorating every day and in all honesty in seven years I think there will be little or no manufacturing in Northern Ireland”.
The TUV has also told the government review that the so-called democratic safeguards built into the Windsor Framework have “not addressed in a credible way” the democratic deficit caused by the Protocol. It says the deal has moved Northern Ireland “from a full to a partial democracy, imposing neo-colonialism, suspending a foundational part of the Acts of Union, destroying key aspects of the economic foundation of the UK and relieving the UK of essential state functions”.
The government has said it is committed to the full and faithful implementation of its deal with the EU.
O’Neill: All Irish citizens must get Áras vote
Rebecca Black, Irish News, May 28th, 2026
SINN Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill has urged the taoiseach to “rectify an anomaly” by allowing Irish citizens in the north to vote in presidential elections.
It comes after the assembly voted last month to back extending the right to vote in elections for president of Ireland to all Irish citizens on the island.
The motion, proposed by Sinn Féin MLAs, was passed by 46 votes to 25.
It comes just months ahead of the next presidential election due to take place later this year following the end of Michael D Higgins’s term.
Ms O’Neill was asked by Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney during Executive Office questions yesterday for the assessment of the motion by the office she shares with Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
No agreed position within NI Executive on issue
Ms O’Neill replied: “There is no agreed position on this issue.”
Mr Kearney went on to ask whether Ms O’Neill agreed that the extension of voting rights in Irish presidential elections for Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland “should be taken forward as a matter of priority by this Irish government”.
Ms O’Neill said that was her personal view on the issue, adding that she has written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
“I think the outcome of that debate and the vote that was put in this assembly chamber certainly was decisive in terms of the support of the elected members of this chamber in terms of voting in the presidential election,” she said.
Wrote to Taoiseach
“This is obviously my personal view on this, but I actually took the time then to actually write to the taoiseach to inform them of the fact that this was something that was endorsed here in this assembly chamber, and I think that it’s time for the Irish government to certainly correct what has been a deficit in terms of our democratic right to vote in this election.
“And I think that we encourage, and continue to encourage, that the Taoiseach moves to rectify what is an anomaly in terms of our citizens in the north – the fact that you can stand for election in the north, but you can’t vote in that election.
“I don’t think that’s a tenable or credible argument.
“It is 12 years beyond the constitutional convention that was held when participants at that convention overwhelmingly endorsed the extension of this franchise, and now the majority view in this house is that this is something that needs to be endorsed in terms of the extension to citizens who live here in the north.”
Peaceful protest is not a crime says opposition leader
Rebecca Black, Irish News, May 28th, 2025
PEACEFUL protest should not be “criminalised”, MLAs have been told.
Opposition leader Matthew O’Toole was speaking after the arrest of two protesters in Belfast on Saturday.
Sue Pentel, a high-profile campaigner against Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip, was one of two women detained by officers on suspicion of criminal damage.
Videos circulated online of the arrest of the 72-year-old indicate the alleged offence related to the placing of stickers on a bank’s ATM machine.
Ms Pentel and the other woman who was arrested, who is in her 50s, were released later on Saturday pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
Mr O’Toole mentioned the arrests during members’ statements in the assembly yesterday morning.
However, Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots warned MLAs against “second-guessing” police.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill sent “solidarity” to both those arrested in Belfast, and Liam Ó hAnnaidh from west Belfast rap group Kneecap who has been charged by police in London with a terror offence over the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year.
‘Highlighting inhumane slaughter is not a crime’
Speaking in response to a question from People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll during questions for the Executive Office, Ms O’Neill said: “Can I firstly send solidarity to both parties that you refer to.
“I think that highlighting genocide, highlighting the inhumane slaughter of defenceless citizens, is not a crime.
“That’s certainly my view, and I send solidarity to all those protests and calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine.
“I think that anybody that goes out to raise their voice, rightly so in my opinion, in terms of calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine, is doing a good thing because the international community is far too silent.”
A protest organised by the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign outside the Central Bank of Ireland in Dublin yesterday
Earlier Mr O’Toole told MLAs: “It’s important to say there is no more profound right in a democracy than peaceful protest.
“Over the weekend we saw dozens more innocent people lose their lives in Gaza as a result of the bombardment by the Netanyahu regime.
“We are witnessing an ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“People from all over this region, from all backgrounds, all ages, all perspectives are completely, frankly, in disbelief at what they see on their screens. They want some form of registering protest, dissent and challenging what is happening in the Middle East.
“One means is through peaceful protest.
“One of the people who was arrested is a woman named Sue Pentel, who is in her 70s. She also just happens to be Jewish. She will be known to people here because she is often here, peacefully and respectfully engaging with MLAs on her views in relation to the Middle East.”
Peaceful protest should not be met by arresting pensioners
He went on: “I understand that the PSNI has a difficult job to do.
“I don’t trivialise the fact that in fast-moving situations sometimes there are judgments that have to be made by police officers, but I don’t think anybody, certainly not the dozens and dozens of my constituents who are, frankly, appalled by what’s happening in Gaza, who have emailed me in the last few days to say ‘What the hell is going on in our society whenever a peaceful protest is met with arrests of pensioners?’
“Peaceful protest in Belfast city centre, even if it is a minor convenience, is not something which should be criminalised.
“That is legitimate peaceful protest and, yes, I respect that police officers have a job to do in all these circumstances, but let’s please be proportionate and respect the rights of ordinary people to register dissent and protest.”
Mr Poots urged caution on comments around live investigations: “I just want to make it very clear that the police have a role to do, and it’s not our place to be second-guessing that role.
“There are a number of matters of the day and urgent questions that were put in that related to different events that have taken place, questioning police, and I think that we need to be very, very careful whenever there is a live investigation.
“This hasn’t got to the stage of there being charges, and may never get to that stage, but there is a live investigation and it’s not our role in this House to influence police decisions on investigations.
“They have to go through their course, it goes to the PPS, there is a due process to happen there, and it’s not for us to seek to influence that.
“I just caution members on that issue.”
Arrests will not deter us – Sue and Martine will be back protesting this Saturday
Conor McParland, Belfast Media, May 28th, 2025
TWO women who were arrested at the weekend at a pro-Palestine demonstration in Belfast city centre say they will not be deterred from highlighting the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.
Sue Pentel (72) is a member of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign as well as Jews for Palestine-Ireland. She was arrested on Saturday morning along with fellow campaigner Martine McCullough (56) on suspicion of criminal damage following a protest outside Barclays Bank in Donegall Place.
The two women were released nine hours later on Saturday evening, pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.
Speaking to the Andersonstown News, Sue said: "Every Saturday morning, we hold a peaceful protest outside Barclays Bank in Belfast city centre to highlight their complicit role in funding the genocide in Gaza.
"Barclays are underwriting loans to an arms company for bombs which the Israeli army are dropping on people. They are listed on the Israeli finance ministry's report as number five primary dealer.
"As for Saturday, we are limited in what details we can say. To put it simply, there was no criminal damage and we refute the allegations. We held a simple peaceful protest."
Not silenced or deterred
Added Sue: "We will not be silenced. There is a real war criminal, the Prime Minister of Israel called Benjamin Netanyahu. The International Criminal Court have an arrest warrant out for him.
"Our message to the PSNI is: would they arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he sets foot here? He would definitely be charged with criminal damage and war crimes against humanity."
Martine McCullough said the incident will not deter both women and they will be back this Saturday for another protest outside Barclays.
"I am still pretty angry. It was an unnecessary arrest," she added. "In my opinion, pro-Palestinian protestors are being criminalised. Up until May 9, 14,000 medics and healthcare workers have been killed. There are hundreds of men, women and children killed every day.
"Last Friday, Dr Alaa al Najjar spent her days saving children’s lives, only to come home and find nine of her own babies charred and buried in rubble. Two still missing, nine of her ten children gone in an instant, the youngest was only seven-months-old, the oldest was only 12. Her husband and surviving child are both in critical condition.
"The names of her children deserve to be spoken. They are Yahya, Rakan, Luqman, Ruslan, Jubran, Eve, Reval, Sidar and Sadin.
"This is not a war this is the systematic destruction of Palestinian life and Israel’s depravity continues to reach new depths. We must not look away and we must continue to support Gaza and Palestine.
"We will be marching from Writer's Square to Barclays this Saturday. We have been protesting every week for the last six months.
"Last weekend's incident will not deter us. The PSNI nor anyone else cannot stop us from highlighting how the Palestinians are being treated. It is incumbent upon us to carry on."
Michelle O'Neill supports Kneecap and pro-Palestinian campaigners
Andrew Madden, Belfast Telegraph, May 28th, 2025
SHE ALSO BACKS TWO WOMEN WHO WERE ARRESTED FOLLOWING PROTEST IN BELFAST
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has expressed “solidarity” with Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, as well as two people arrested in Belfast over the weekend at a pro-Palestine protest.
The Sinn Fein vice-president said that “highlighting genocide” should never be considered a crime.
Mr Ó hAnnaidh (27), who performs as Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence last week after he allegedly displayed a flag in support of the proscribed organisation Hezbollah during a gig in London last year.
In a separate incident at the weekend, campaigners Sue Pentel (72) and Martine McCullough, who's in her 50s, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after protesting outside a Barclays bank branch in Castle Place, Belfast.
Stickers had been placed on a bank machine. Since the latest conflict in the Middle East escalated in October 2023 following Hamas' attack on Israel, there has been criticism of Barclays' financial ties with arms companies that sell weapons to the country.
Speaking in the Assembly, Ms O'Neill was asked by People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll whether she supported Mr Ó hAnnaidh, and Ms Pentel and Ms McCullough.
“I think that highlighting genocide, highlighting the inhumane slaughter of defenceless citizens, is not a crime,” she replied.
“That's certainly my view, and I send solidarity to all those protesting and calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine.”
Mr Carroll pressed the First Minister as to whether she specifically raised the case of Mr Ó hAnnaidh with Prime Minister Keir Starmer when the pair met last week.
“I made my point in terms of solidarity to these individuals, to Liam Óg and to Sue and Martine,” she said.
“I think that anybody who goes out to raise their voice, rightly so, in my opinion, in terms of calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine, is doing a good thing.
International Community far too silent
“The international community is far too silent. The international community has failed to act and the international community has failed to end the genocide in Palestine.
“I can tell you that I did raise that issue with Keir Starmer on Friday. I made it very clear that they needed to end their arms sales to Israel.
“And I made it very clear that they need to step up in a real, detailed way with sanctions against Israel.”
After Mr Ó hAnnaidh was charged last week, Kneecap released a statement denouncing the decision.
“We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves, this is political policing, this is a carnival of distraction,” the group said.
“We are not the story, genocide is, as they profit from genocide, they use an 'anti-terror law' against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage. A charge not serious enough to even warrant their crown court, instead a court that doesn't have a jury. What's the objective?
“To restrict our ability to travel. To prevent us speaking to young people across the world. To silence voices of compassion. To prosecute artists who dare speak out. Instead of defending innocent people, or the principles of international law they claim to uphold, the powerful in Britain have abetted slaughter and famine in Gaza, just as they did in Ireland for centuries. Then, like now, they claim justification.
“The IDF units they arm and fly spy plane missions for are the real terrorists, the whole world can see it.”
Police investigation
The Met Police's anti-terrorism unit began investigating the band after footage surfaced of a member appearing to shout “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP” at a gig.
A second video also emerged showing a member allegedly chanting “Up Hamas” and “Up Hezbollah” from a stage.
Mr Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear before Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18. The Met Police previously said: “On November 21, 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hezbollah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000.
“Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, April 22, of an online video from the event. An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge.”
