The Ireland’s Future group has issued a statement “in solidarity with James Nesbitt”.
The statement, released on Sunday evening, comes in the wake of graffiti appearing last week targeting the actor after he appeared at an Ireland’s future event in Dublin.
The graffiti, which was daubed on a wall in Portrush near Nesbitt’s home, said “1x King, 1x Crown, No Pope in Our Town James Nesbitt”. Speaking soon after, he said it was “unnerving”, but added that it “saddens” him that someone would do it.
Read more: James Nesbitt 'saddened' by graffiti targeting him after speaking at Ireland's Future event
Ballymena actor Nesbitt delivered the keynote speech at the event at the beginning on the month. He said the debate about Northern Ireland’s constitutional future should be led by people not politicians. Nesbitt, who comes from a Protestant/unionist background, said the phrase “united Ireland” was viewed by some unionists as incendiary and suggested the term “Union of Ireland” might be more palatable for his community.
However, he did face a negative reaction from some quarters. In their statement today, the Management Board of Ireland’s Future said it “condemns in the strongest possible terms the targeting of James Nesbitt after his outstanding speech delivered at our conference in the 3Arena in Dublin on 1 October 2022”.
They added: “James has our unequivocal support and we stand in solidarity with him now and continue to do so in the future.”
On their website, Ireland’s Future says it “was established to advocate for, and promote, debate and discussion about Ireland’s future, including the possibility and viability of new constitutional arrangements on the Island”.
In their Sunday statement they added: “We are appalled by the abuse he has received and hope that those responsible will be identified and held to account soon. James spoke with great dignity in a spirit of generosity and inclusivity about the present an d possible futures. Those who heard his speech on the day or after will not forget it.
“We remain deeply appreciative of James’ decision to be part of our ‘Together We Can’ event. We thank James for his thoughtful participation and engagement. These are responsible and necessary discussions that find a secure home in the Good Friday Agreement, they are deliberations that have increased in intensity since Brexit. People must be able to contribute publicly to these democratic debates without fear. Intimidation and threats have no place whatsoever in this society.
“As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Agreement, Ireland’s Future believes that these constitutional conversations must continue in the best interests of everyone on this shared island. We therefore urge people locally and globally to join together with us in solidarity to send a clear message of support to James Nesbitt.”
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