Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘EVICT FAMILIES’ OF Politician wants tenancies axed
EVICTING families whose kids are involved in persistent anti-social behaviour should be considered in tackling ongoing trouble, a politician claimed yesterday.
Councillor Jim Mcveigh said the step is one of a number that need to be discussed as residents of West Belfast recover from another night of disorder.
The Sinn Fein representative hit out in the wake of trouble in the Divis area, as well as other parts of the city, linked to the removal of bonfire material.
He added: “There are young people, be they 10, 12, 16 or even 20, who are persistently involved in problem and there’s parents who don’t care their kids are roaming the streets till all hours.
“Evictions have to be considered to tackle this. As well as the police doing their bit, the Housing Executive revoking people’s tenancies must be considered.” Mr Mcveigh said the rioters “use the excuse” of bonfire wood being removed.
But he added: “These people couldn’t care less about internment and know nothing about the history of it and care even less about their own community. “But it is the same hardcore of about 30 young people who are involved in holding the people of Divis to ransom. These are the same people smashing windows and burning bins every week, breaking into the Ross Road flats.
“There is a hardcore criminal element of three or four who are at the centre of it.
“They are involved in the death-driving, the break-ins. These people need to be dealt with by the police, brought before the
WEST BELFAST YESTERDAY
courts and sent to jail for a long time. In fairness there have been police operations in the past, increased patrols, bail checks for maybe a few months.
“But what is needed is a concentrated two-year operation to tackle the small number of people who are making life hell for the vast majority.”
Cllr Mcveigh also hit back at what he called “I told you so” jibes from unionists over the party’s push to get bonfire material removed.
He said: “You need to stand up to these people and we knew it wouldn’t be easy but we also knew bonfires are a curse on the communities.
“We’ve been consistent in our opposition to them and we will not roll over.”
Chris Turley, of the Falls Residents Association, said a group of youngsters were set to be taken on a trip out of the city last night in a bid to reduce tensions and 100 tickets have been handed out for a dance music event in the Falls Park.
He added: “But there’s still a hardcore of people, along with a very small group of individuals, who are the main drivers.
“You had a burning building in the