Republican News · Thursday 20 February 2003

Shameful attack on school bus - Kelly

North Belfast Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly has said an attack on a Citybus carrying pupils from The Girls Model school in North Belfast is deplorable and utterly wrong.

He was speaking after two pupils from the girls school were injured after their bus was stoned on the Limestone Road near Currie Primary school on Wednesday 12 February. One of the girls hurt her leg and another pupil was hurt when glass showered them after a brick was thrown through the window of the bus.

Kelly described the attacks as completely and utterly wrong, saying there is no justification for sectarianism, whether it is directed at Protestant or Catholic communities. "Buses are provided for children's protection whilst going to and from school and no matter what school or religion they are from, they deserve our utmost protection. Those who carry out these activities do not represent their community," said Kelly.

He said such sectarian attacks only make the job of those who have been trying to stifle tensions in North Belfast a lot harder. "Sinn Féin will be doing all in its power to make sure that there is not a repeat of this incident."