Robinson and McGuinness condemn racist attacks in Ballymena

First Minister the Rt. Hon. Peter Robinson MLA and the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MLA have condemned the recent racist attacks in Ballymena.

 The Ministers said: "The attack on a house last week and arson attacks on two cars in Ballymena over the weekend are simply not acceptable. 

 "Thankfully no one was injured in these attacks but the entire community must unite and reject this behaviour which exudes intolerance, ignorance and zero respect for humanity.

 "We urge anyone with any information relating to these attacks to bring it to the PSNI.

 "Many families have sons, daughters or close family members dotted around the globe and they must consider how they would feel if they were being attacked or singled out because of their race, colour or nationality.

 "We must make every effort to create the conditions where we are welcoming and everyone feels part of the community."

 Notes to editors:

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Ní Chuilín congratulates Rory McIlroy on winning Race to Dubai title

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has congratulated Rory McIlroy on winning the Race to Dubai title and becoming Europe’s number one golfer for 2015. 

Rory won the final event of the tour, the DP World Championship in Dubai, to secure the title for the third time in four years.  

Congratulating Rory, the Minister said: “Winning the Race to Dubai title yet again further cements Rory’s status as one of the greatest talents in golf and one of our finest ever sportsmen. The win caps a fine year for Rory, with four tournament triumphs in the bag.  

“Rory’s win today comes days after Graeme McDowell’s tournament win on the PGA Tour and Graeme is yet again contending for a title going into the final round of the RSM Classic in Georgia. I wish Graeme all the best as he seeks back-to-back wins. 

“This is a golden age for local golf with the Irish Open coming to Fermanagh in 2017 and the Open Championship confirmed for Portrush in 2019. We are blessed in this part of the world with having some of the best golfers currently playing the game and could realistically see a home-grown winner at these events.  

“For now though my congratulations go to Rory and I wish him every success as he looks to 2016.”

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries please contact DCAL Communications Office on 028 9051 5047 or email communications@dcalni.gov.uk.   Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699715440 and your call will be returned.