Northern Ireland

Widespread condemnation of Michaela McAreavey song

Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O'Neill condemned the video. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O'Neill condemned the video. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O'Neill condemned the video. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire

POLITICAL figures from across Ireland have been united in their condemnation of the footage appearing to show a group of people mocking the murder of Michaela McAreavey.

There was widespread criticism last night of those involved in the footage with several politicians saying they have referred the video to the PSNI.

Sinn Féin's deputy leader Michelle O'Neill said she had spoken to John McAreavey, the husband of the late Co Tyrone teacher, to "offer solidarity to both the McAreavey and Harte families".

"Hate and sectarianism have no place in our society," she said.

"People deserve better. Love over hate will always win out."

DUP leader leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson described the video as "vile" adding that it "is plain wrong and is deeply hurtful to the family of Michaela McAreavey".

Alliance leader Naomi Long also said that "having seen the utterly vile and depraved video of those revelling in the murder of Michaela McAreevy, I feel sick".

"This gratuitous sectarian hatred is a cancer in our society that needs rooted out," she said.

Doug Beattie, leader of the DUP, described the footage as "absolutely abhorrent, disgusting and shameful", while SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the video was "absolutely sick".

TUV leader Jim Allister tweeted: "The video glorying in the murder of Michaela McAreavey is beyond disgusting, bringing shame and dishonour on all associated with such loathsome behaviour."

Former DUP leader Dame Arlene Foster wrote on Twitter that it was "just so wrong and hateful".

Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said the footage was "reprehensible and deeply upsetting for the McAreavey and Harte families. The individuals involved are completely thoughtless and only wish to cause harm".

"They have no support from Northern Ireland's communities."

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he was "appalled and horrified".

"It's beyond comprehension that people could behave in that manner, and to be so indifferent to the trauma of that the family suffered and in the entire community," he said.

"I think it speaks to a sectarianism and the degree of malice and hate in society that needs to be dealt with, and those involved in should apologise, in the first instance, and those involved should reflect strongly on that. It's just beyond comprehension, and shocking."

Loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson condemned the video and said "it is right that all sections of unionism, loyalism and the Orange Order have unequivocally condemned the vile and abhorrent singing in relation to Michaela McAreavey".

He added: "It is unreflective of any section of our community. It is also right all those involved publicly apologise."

High-profile protocol opponent Moore Holmes also wrote on Twitter that the video was "shameful and disgusting".

"It does not represent anything or anyone but the bitterness of those involved in it," he said.

"We are familiar with a herd-hate mentality in NI but that video stoops to a new and pitiful low."