Aontú has cautiously welcomed the latest decision taken by the Secretary of State regarding the Garvaghy Road, while firmly emphasising that “we never should have been here in the first place.”
Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín welcomed the move, stating: “This is very good news. Drumcree should have never been resurrected. Consent should always be a foundation of community relations. Many will note the passive approach of our government through it all.”
Echoing this, Aontú Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly stated, “People have revisited a place they never should have had to. It is essential peace, stability, and community safety remain paramount. While this intervention is a necessary step, it is one that should have been implemented from the very beginning to prevent unnecessary tension and division.”
Addressing the deeper systemic failures that allowed the issue to resurface, Brolly added, “We welcome the Secretary of State’s decision, but it is a decision which should have been taken from the start. Moreover, we should never have been here.”
Highlighting the absolute necessity of institutional reform and responsibility, Brolly further stated, “He must now review the institutions and hold accountable those who manufactured and brought this situation back to our doors. There is no doubt in our minds, this was a distraction tactic, designed to divert minds from recent events and from Stormont failures.”
Aontú remains committed to standing with local residents, safeguarding community cohesion, and ensuring that transparent, fair governance prevents such avoidable crises from recurring.
ENDS