Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson has said those who attacked Romanian families in Belfast recently have the same mindset as those who attack Catholics.
Ms Anderson made the remark during a debate in Stormont on Monday on a motion condemning racist attacks and calling on political leaders to do more to tackle the problem.
Discussing the recent attacks, Ms Anderson said: “Those attacks were the out
workings of a warped mindset that has never tolerated anything but itself. It is a mindset that for years has been ignored and even encouraged by some in the establishment. Some of the most so-called Christian of places have been underpinned by a culture of intolerance.
“We have all heard the Pope being described from the pulpit as the Antichrist. Whether the targets are Romanian or Roman Catholic, the bigotry that they face is the same.”
The Sinn Féin equality spokesperson criticised unionist leaders for their handling of racist incidents in the past. “I am not suggesting for one second that all intolerance emanates from within the unionist community.
“However, the difference is that my party has always confronted those issues head-on in our own community.
“We have gone toe-to-toe with those responsible and we have let them know in no uncertain terms that no such behaviour will be tolerated or accepted.
“We have had a vigil in the Bogside area of Derry after attacks in the Fountain; we have been involved in forums with residents trying to address that.
“We have challenged and confronted head-on attacks that have emanated from within our community, but we do not see the same level of confrontation within the unionist community.
“Unless unionists step up to the plate and show the kind of political leadership that is required, I am afraid that the void will continue to be filled by those who have hatred in their hearts,” she said.
