Messages of solidarity from New York and Boston

Many thanks to the leading contender in the mayoral election in New York, Christine Quinn, a huge friend of Belfast, and the City Council of New York for this message:
“I was deeply saddened to hear the Lord Mayor of Belfast Mairtin Ó Muilleoir was attacked by a violent few who would rather return to the dark days of the past than work for peace. The New York City Council and all of New York City stands in solidarity today with the lord mayor and supporters of peace in Northern Ireland.

“I’ve come to know the lord kayor as a tireless advocate for peace in Belfast. He knows that creating jobs and putting the city’s economy on track will advance the path of peace. Certainly, no one has worked harder to do this than Lord Mayor Ó Muilleoir.  As a leader, he is fully committed to serve all people equally.

“Unfortunately, New Yorkers are no strangers to those who try to silence equality. But when faced with adversity, New Yorkers join together and that’s what makes our city stronger – I know the same is true in Belfast.

“We can take heart in the lord mayor’s message of optimism, ‘for faced with a choice of going back to our bitter and divided past or moving confidently forward, the people of Belfast have chosen…the bright side of the road.’  My thoughts are with my friend Mairtin Ó Muilleoir and all the people of Northern Ireland who strive for peace.”

And from that outstanding ambassador of Belfast in Boston, Rep. Eugene O’Flaherty, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee:

“Please know that many of your friends in Boston send their concerns and stand with you and your colleagues in working to bring openness and tolerance to Belfast. We will continue to work with you to make Belfast a 21st century mecca of commerce, culture and community.”