People Before Profit utterly condemn the attempts to intimidate party activist Marc Mac Seáin in Newry through verbal harassment and physical assault, while marching with the Save Daisy Hill Hospital campaign at the St Patrick’s Day event in the city.
The incident was witnessed by many people, including children, and was incredibly disruptive for those marching to stand up for local health services in Newry.
This kind of behaviour is the logical conclusion of far-right politics which attempts to change society by coercion, manipulation and violence. Far-right agitators target People Before Profit members because our politics are the antithesis of theirs. We will not be intimidated or dissuaded from fighting against their hateful and divisive scaremongering tactics.
This incident should be roundly condemned by all. We are treating it with the utmost severity and our solidarity is with Marc and our comrades in Newry, who should be commended for the brilliant work they are doing on the ground to fight for an alternative locally.
Speaking about the attack, Marc said:
“I am unsurprised by the vitriol I experienced - it is the modus operandi of the Far Right who whip up division and hatred. But I am astounded at the brazenness of this attack that was carried out against a member of a contingent marching to save our local hospital and in front of so many witnesses including children. I am very grateful to those who supported me in the moment and since, showing that solidarity is far more powerful than hatred. We will not be deterred by small-minded vitriolic individuals. We’re too busy working to build up campaigns and movements for change in our local communities.”