Dear Editor:
The silence of many politicians on both sides of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland regarding the sectarian abuse during the Irish presidential election campaign directed at Heather Humphreys is unsurprising to many in the unionist community.
Sectarianism on both sides of the border has increased.
In North Belfast I recently helped young Catholic families who were being intimidated by loyalist paramilitaries because they lived in a unionist district.
They were forced to move with little support from the political parties at Stormont. I received a bullet in the post from the same loyalist paramilitaries for helping the families.
Now it's roles reversed in the Republic of Ireland with a candidate for the presidency of Ireland. Where is the condemnation in America as well as Ireland for such sectarianism?
The shame of silence will have ordinary unionists in Northern Ireland clearly stating and believing that Protestants will never vote for a "New Ireland" or a United Ireland.
Why is Irish America not raising the sectarianism suffered by Heather Humphreys? There is no justification or reason for such action.
It's way past the time those in America and on the island of Ireland removed their policy of denial and silence and acknowledged that sectarianism against Protestants is practiced also.
The sectarianism in the Irish election tells me that the question I've asked many times, "Tell me how my grandchildren are going to be better off in a United Ireland?"
Why it hasn't been answered. Those that point the finger of of blame at every opportunity at the Protestant unionist community need to look in the mirror to see who's also responsible for selective sectarianism.
It takes two to tango.
United Ireland? I want to live in a land without bigotry and sectarianism. Unfortunately there are those in both communities, including politicians, voters, journalists and individuals in Irish America who forsake equality by way of a sectarian mindset.
We victims are equal, irrespective of religion or politics.
Raymond McCord
North Belfast The writer is a Victims Campaigner
