07/06/2026
Being on the ground matters……..being faceless or behind a keyboard doesn’t…..simple
We can all sit behind a keyboard and complain….some of us choose to get up, stand up and speak up for those who vote for us
Good on ya Carla Lockhart MP 👏🏻
🤝I want to thank everyone who has been in touch following yesterday's events in Scarva. The support I have received has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated.
Before some seek to rewrite what happened, it is important to remember the context.
The Parades Commission took the decision to permit a highly contentious parade through Scarva despite the concerns raised by local residents, businesses and community representatives. Throughout the day there were legitimate questions regarding compliance with the determination, the display of flags and banners, and decisions taken during the policing operation.
As I stated publicly at the time, I had concerns that aspects of the policing response risked inflaming rather than easing tensions. It was precisely because of those concerns that elected representatives and community leaders remained engaged throughout the day.
I will never apologise for standing with my community.
I was there alongside DUP MLAs, DUP councillors, UUP councillors, a TUV councillor and local community leaders. Throughout the day we engaged with senior police officers, relayed concerns, encouraged restraint and worked to ensure calm heads prevailed. We were not there to inflame tensions. We were there to prevent them escalating.
Those who were present know exactly how much work went on behind the scenes. There was constant engagement with officers, discussions around crowd management and efforts to ensure there was no physical interaction between opposing groups. Thankfully, what could have become a far more volatile situation, passed without serious incident.
That did not happen by accident.
It is therefore disappointing, though not surprising, to hear criticism from those who were nowhere to be seen when tensions were high.
Sorcha Eastwood has been quick to offer criticism. That's hardly surprising. Playing to the gallery when you’re sitting at home is easy. It’s the Alliance way. Real leaders are on the ground ensuring nothing boils over. Anyone can provide commentary once an event is over, than it is to stand in the middle of a tense situation, engage with police, speak to those involved and help ensure matters do not escalate.
Yesterday required calm heads, practical engagement and a willingness to take responsibility. Those of us who were present did exactly that. If you were not there you are not entitled to rewrite events or lecture those who were actually on the ground dealing with the reality of the situation.
Leadership is not measured by the number of social media posts you publish after an event. It is measured by whether you are prepared to show up when tensions are high, communities are concerned and difficult decisions need to be made.
The hypocrisy of the absentee MP Chris Hazzard is particularly ironic. His office is named after two terrorists. He speaks about being welcoming and inclusive, yet the family of William Heenan have repeatedly sought engagement from their MP regarding the murder of their father, and have not found that same willingness to engage. I will take no lectures from Alliance or Sinn Fein.
The abuse directed at me since yesterday has been disgraceful, but it will not silence me. It simply reinforces why it is important that people continue to speak up and represent the communities they serve.
Yesterday I stood with my community. I engaged with the police. I am thankful this all passed off without incident. I do not condone any attacks on the police but I also do not condone police aggression. I worked alongside colleagues from across unionism and local community representatives to help ensure calm heads prevailed.
I make absolutely no apology for that.
