Hanson’s sugar-coated review of anti-social behaviour in Northern Ireland will not wash with Ulster Unionists - Jim Wilson
South Antrim MLA Jim Wilson has criticised Minister Hanson for his recent comments claiming that ‘Anti-social behaviour is being confronted in every part of Northern Ireland’ and has accused him off ‘sugar-coating’ reality in a bid to placate growing concerns about anti-social behaviour.
Mr Wilson said:
“Minister Hanson is living in la-la land if he truly believes that his government is effectively tackling anti social behaviour in Northern Ireland. We’ve only seen 13 Asbos issued since their inception, despite Minister Hanson’s claims that ASBO’s ‘will continue to be deployed with energy and confidence in Northern Ireland’.
“The Minster’s sugar-coated review of anti-social behaviour in Northern Ireland will not wash with Ulster Unionists. Furthermore, the Minister’s comments encouraging ‘anyone who is suffering anti-social behaviour to stand up for their neighbourhoods’ will not happen until the public are given the confidence to know that by speaking out, something will actually be done. The reality is that people have lost confidence that the courts have the ability do something and so they suffer in silence.
“The Government needs to reassure the public that they are taking these issues seriously - not with a bland diatribe of empty words and promises, but with affirmative action and by employing the full force of the law. This will make others think twice before embarking on similar disruptive behaviour, ending the cycle of disrespect and disregard these yobs espouse regarding the rule of law in Northern Ireland. We need to get the message out loud and clear that perpetrators will be caught and will be punished accordingly”.