Monday 4 July 2011

SIPTU encourages support for Belfast Gay Pride 2011

SIPTU is calling on the public to come out in support of the week long festivities for Belfast Pride from 23rd – 30th July. The full calendar of events can be found online at; www.belfastpride.com/.


The 21st Pride festival which the organisers hail as ‘a celebration of diversity’ will culminate with Ireland’s largest LGBT parade, making its way through Belfast city centre on Saturday 30th July.


Encouraging people to attend Pride, SIPTU Lead Organiser Martin O’Rourke said,
“SIPTU encourages everyone to come out in support of equality and diversity by attending the various events at Belfast Pride. Pride is a vibrant celebration of diversity and plays a huge role in creating an inclusive and welcoming society for the LGBT community. Last year’s parade attracted almost 17,000 people making it the city’s largest cross community festival.”

Friday 1 July 2011

SIPTU condemns attack on Derry Community worker's car

SIPTU have condemned the ‘sickening attack’ on a Derry community worker’s car.

Sean McMonagle a well-known community activist, and who is a member of SIPTU, had his car attacked at his Rinmore Drive home, in the Creggan area of Derry on Wednesday night.

Hundreds of people took to the streets last night in the Creggan estate in a protest against the attack and in solidarity with Sean.
(Sean McMonagle's car was attacked on Wednesday night)

Mr McMonagle speaking on the attack said,


"It is not just about me, it is about what I do, it's about what a large number of people in this area, right across Derry do. I think this is the community beginning to stand up and saying to any of these groups, or any individuals that are involved in this type of stuff, 'no, you're not going to isolate or intimidate people and you're not going to bother them'."
Condemning the attack SIPTU organiser Martin O’Rourke said,
“Community activists like Sean work day and night to improve the life’s of others around them, the huge numbers that turned out in support of him last night demonstrates the high regard in which he is held and the level of anger at this absolutely sickening attack. The solidarity shown by local people last night is a strong message to these anti community elements to stop immediately with their pointless and criminal attacks.”