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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

Derry councillor hits out at 'sectarian' graffiti sprayed on local takeaway

A Derry councillor has called out those who sprayed a 'sectarian' slogan on a local takeaway in the city.

Ulster Unionist Cllr Ryan McCready said the action was "outdated" and it showed "a lack of confidence" within the Drumahoe community.

The phrase - which reads ‘No More Taig Tops’ - has been sprayed on the closing shutter of a premises within a local business site on the Glenshane Road.

Read more: Investigation launched over fire at Derry housing site as residents speak out

Speaking to MyDerry , Cllr McCready said: "This is unfortunate and disappointing to see, especially in Drumahoe, somewhere that I grew up.

"I think there is an undertone of fear and people are afraid of diversification of the area, an area that would've once had been unionist.

"There is a new development that has been built in the Drumahoe area and I understand now from my time knocking on the doors during the election that the people living in those homes come from a range of different backgrounds.

"The text itself, it is my presumption that its in reference to GAA tops. But the fact that people are feeling aggrieved that someone is wearing a certain sports top is outdated.

"It shows a lack of confidence in the community. You could reciprocate that by asking whether someone would be comfortable with someone wearing a Rangers [Football Club] jersey to a takeaway in the Bogside? Would there be similar sentiments?

"Hopefully there wouldn't be and that's not a justification for what has happened in this instance.

"We are at a tipping point now and we're trying to bring everyone with us but that takes time. The people who have done this are in the minority and they're afraid of change."

Meanwhile, Susan McKay, who is an Irish writer and journalist whose books include Northern Protestants, wrote online: "I grew up in Drumahoe. This is vandalism of a local business and it is appalling.

"It is also just up the road from the paras flag. Local unionist politicians must take action."

The PSNI were asked whether a complaint had been made and they said they could not find a report.

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