Calls for calm after murder in Ballymena

THE leaders of three Protestant marching organisations in the North issued a dramatic appeal for calm yesterday in the wake of Catholic teenager Michael McIlveen’s murder.

The three organisations said there could be no justification for what they described as a reprehensible and wicked murder.

Orange Order Grand Master Robert Saulters, the Grand Master of the Independent Loyal Orange Institution, George Dawson, and the Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution, William Logan, also appealed to members of their community with information about the attack to help the police investigation.

They said: “As leaders of the Loyal Orders, we unequivocally condemn the murder in Ballymena of Mr Michael McIlveen and we extend our deepest sympathy to his grieving parents and family at this time.

“No claim to political loyalty or religious affiliation can possibly justify such a reprehensible and wicked crime.

“We call for an immediate end to inter-community conflict in Ballymena and elsewhere, and we would urge anyone with information to come forward quickly and help the police investigation.

“It is essential that those responsible for Michael McIlveen’s cowardly murder face the full rigour of the law and pay the penalty for their crime.”

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern described the murder as a shocking reminder of the evils of sectarianism.

Mr Ahern extended his sympathies to the family of Michael’s family and “those responsible for this brutal crime must face the full rigours of the law.

“They stand condemned in the eyes of all decent people committed to reconciliation and promoting a peaceful society throughout Northern Ireland.

“I join with others in calling for calm at this time.”

Democratic Unionist leader Ian Paisley, in whose constituency the murder took place, appealed for no reprisal.

The North Antrim MP, who has spoken to and prayed with the McIlveen family, said the culprits should face the full rigour of the law.

“As we move towards the marching season, I would appeal for calm,” he said.

“Any reprisal or upping the ante would serve no purpose other than to make matters worse.

“I would call on all sides to pull back from the brink before tragedy is multiplied by catastrophe.”

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said the murder underlined the need for society to tackle sectarian hatred.

“The key to ending sectarianism is in the hands of political and civic leaders,” the west Belfast MP said.

“Political leaders need to work together to challenge those who prefer the old ways.

“Achieving this means not just ending sectarianism on our streets, but also adopting the implementation of policies which can eradicate deep-rooted sectarianism and discrimination wherever it exists.”