Justice Minister and Alliance Party leader Naomi Long has condemned a masked mob that turned up to protest outside her house on Wednesday evening.
In a statement on social media, she said: “Over the last 25 years I’ve been in front-line politics, I’ve engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives. I’ve been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not, including on here.”
“Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn’t on. That line was crossed last night. It isn’t engagement and it isn’t legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police.”
“It’s bullying and intimidation. It’s threatening and wholly unacceptable. It needs to stop,” she added.
Her husband, Councillor Michael Long, has also released a statement and confirmed that around 40 people attended the protest.
“Last night, about 40 people, some wearing masks, turned up at our house to protest. They filmed and the PSNI had to attend. In 25 years, no one has protested at our house. For the 1st time in 12 years, a PSNI car has had to sit outside the house overnight in case of attack,” he said.
In the second incident of intimidation of politicians in the last week, it has seen widespread condemnation from all parties.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Absolutely disgusting — turning up at someone’s home is intimidation, not protest. It is never acceptable. Sending support and solidarity to you and Michael.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “This is shocking. Absolutely unacceptable behaviour. Intimidation and harassment is always wrong, and particularly upsetting and frightening when it is at the personal address and home of that person.”
“I offer my full support to Naomi Long and her family after this experience last night and in facing down this appalling behaviour and indeed any and all thuggery,” she added.
UUP leader Mike Nesbitt condemned the incident, saying that intimidation is not an acceptable way to express opposition.
“I am shocked, horrified and depressed by the reports of a crowd gathering outside the home of the Alliance Leader, Naomi Long MLA, and her husband, Councillor Michael Long.
“We live in a democracy. In a democracy, you will see things you don’t like. You’ll hear things you don’t agree with. You’ll be upset by decisions politicians make.
“There are acceptable ways to express your opposition. Intimidation is not one of them. I hope the PSNI have gathered enough evidence to lead to prosecution,” he added.
SDLP leader Claire Hanna said there is no place for violence or intimidation in our politics or our society.
“The SDLP sends sincere solidarity to Naomi and Michael Long following the disgraceful scenes outside their home last night.
“The SDLP will always stand against those who seek to use violence or intimidation. There can be no place for it in our politics or our society.
“There will always be political disagreement, particularly in a place with as fraught a history as this, but to turn up outside a politician’s home and try to intimidate them is sinister and entirely wrong.”
