Anna Lo to quit politics over racism in NI

[Davidontour]

Anna Lo, an MLA and recent MEP candidate from Northern Ireland's Alliance Party looks set to quit local politics in reponse to what she regards as racist comments by a local high profile preacher, subsequently supported by Stormont first minister, the DUP's Peter Robinson.

''I love this country and I chose to live here. I am just appalled our political leaders are coming out and making such comments."

She called on Mr Robinson and Pastor McConnell to apologise for what they said.

Police said they were investigating "a hate crime motive" after complaints about Mr McConnell's initial remarks, made during an address at Belfast's Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle Church.

Mr McConnell told his congregation on 18 May "a new evil had arisen" and "there are cells of Muslims right throughout Britain".

"Islam is heathen, Islam is satanic, Islam is a doctrine spawned in hell," he said.''

If Anna does go, it will be a real loss to NI politics and yet another indication of how backward and insular this place is. As a protestant pastor, McConnell's comments might perhaps be excused as eccentric and misguided. As NI first minister, Robinson's supportive stance is quite frankly appalling. NI has seen more than it's fair share of past politicians influencing the demonisation of a community or minority and comments such as this could well provoke racist attacks. Both men, Robinson in particular, should apologise immediately for this simplistic and offensive generalisation and realise the real hurt they are causing.

[Cassandra]

Anna Lo, an MLA and recent MEP candidate from Northern Ireland's Alliance Party looks set to quit local politics in reponse to what she regards as racist comments by a local high profile preacher, subsequently supported by Stormfront first minister,

Fixed that for you.

[Empirical]

Peter Robinson has sort of retracted the comments he made recently.

Seems as if norn iron is still just as nasty, racist place as it ever was. Ignorance, bigotry...

[Davidontour]

Peter Robinson has sort of retracted the comments he made recently.

Seems as if norn iron is still just as nasty, racist place as it ever was. Ignorance, bigotry...

Sadly you're right. For unionism in particular, the constant self-imposed siege mentality breeds distrust and contempt for virtually every other group. Throw into that mix a nasty dose of religious fundamentalism and you have one of the most hateful societies in the western world.