Opinion

Alarm over angry Derry protests

While it is only to be expected that strong opinions will be voiced during public meetings about developments within the health service, it is essential that the exchanges should be kept within reasonable limits.

It was particularly regrettable that two DUP politicians felt so intimidated at an event in Derry city that, due to fears over their safety, they had to leave the building through an emergency exit on Tuesday night.

Nationalist representatives who were also in attendance at the Verbal Arts Centre described the level of heckling as amounting to abusive behaviour and outright bullying.

Serious issues were under discussion but protests which cross acceptable lines undermine any cause with which they are associated.