Northern Ireland

Green Party raises concern over "staff from here " sign

Green Party representative, Hannah McNamara,has expressed concern over a sign erected on behalf of a car wash business in Co Down, informing customers that its staff are "from here"
Green Party representative, Hannah McNamara,has expressed concern over a sign erected on behalf of a car wash business in Co Down, informing customers that its staff are "from here" Green Party representative, Hannah McNamara,has expressed concern over a sign erected on behalf of a car wash business in Co Down, informing customers that its staff are "from here"

THE Green Party has expressed concern over a sign erected on behalf of a car wash business in Co Down, informing customers that its staff are "from here".

Hannah McNamara, who represents Bangor East and Donaghadee for the party, called for the sign, for 4 Road Ends Car Wash & Valet Centre on Killaughey Road in Donaghadee, to be removed.

Ms McNamara said the same sign had also appeared in Newtownards.

The party representative said the signs "are not reflective of the majority of people working and living in Northern Ireland" and added that she hoped the owner of the business would "think again and remove the sign".

"What sort of message does that portray to people living in our community?" said Ms McNamara.

"I completely condemn racism and xenophobia and these type of statements are not reflective of the majority of people working and living in north Down.

"This business could also be putting itself in breach of the law on fair employment, as well as painting itself in a poor light. I hope that the owner of this business will think again and remove the sign.

She added: "In light of the outcry over the anti-Muslim leaflets distributed in Belfast this week, they should now understand that racism and xenophobia will not be tolerated in this country.

"This is not who we are in north Down - this is a community that welcomes people who come here to work and live"

The car wash and valet business could not be reached yesterday for comment.