Gareth Wright

Last week was an incredibly difficult week for East Belfast. On Tuesday and Wednesday night, I was on the Newtownards Road alongside local residents, community leaders, church leaders and a local councillor. During that time, we assisted residents from McMaster Street and Lendrick Street in moving safely to a nearby church following a gas leak affecting both streets. Families remained at the church until the early hours of Wednesday morning. There can be no justification for forcing people from their homes. There can be no justification for attacks on police. There can be no justification for arson, intimidation or the destruction of property. These actions do not represent the values of our community, nor do they offer solutions to the genuine challenges many people are facing. However, it is also important to understand that many people within working-class communities have, for a considerable period of time, been expressing concerns and frustrations around illegal immigration, community integration and the lack of meaningful engagement from decision-makers. Too often, people feel their views have been dismissed rather than listened to. Acknowledging these concerns does not excuse criminality. Equally, condemning violence should not prevent honest and respectful conversations about the issues many local residents continue to raise and will continue to raise. What our community needs now is calm, reflection and clear leadership from those who know this community best and have its best interests at heart. We cannot build a positive future by damaging our own streets, burning our own buses or attacking buildings that provide vital services to local people. We cannot improve our communities through disorder. Nor can we expect young people to make better choices in their lives if those in positions of influence fail to lead by example. The responsibility lies with all of us, political representatives, community leaders, parents and local residents, to lower tensions, encourage constructive conversations and ensure the events of recent days are not repeated. East Belfast is better than what we have witnessed. Our community is, and always has been, resilient. Our people are hardworking, decent, caring and genuine. The overwhelming majority want safe streets, strong communities and a better future for the next generation. That future will not be shaped by those who seek to divide, intimidate or destroy. It will be shaped by those who are willing to lead, listen, challenge and work together.

It has been really positive to be part of the Emerging Leaders group. “Feeling the Pinch… Let’s Talk” 💬 What started as an idea turned into real impact, bringing people together from across outer and inner East Belfast, sharing support, and strengthening our communities with the resources they need. Without organisations like @EBCDA , we wouldn’t have had the opportunity as a group to connect, collaborate, and grow, not just individually, but in how we support the communities we work in. It really shows that when there is collaboration, good things can be achieved, and I think this wee group really demonstrates that.

It was a privilege to hear from some truly passionate, driven, and compassionate leaders from the community voluntary sector in East Belfast today. A huge thank you to @EBCDA for creating space for young people to connect, grow, and lead through their carefully designed 3-year Emerging Leaders Programme. It’s an incredible opportunity to develop alongside other emerging leaders in our community and build concrete relationships. Today reminded me just how fortunate we are to have such dedicated and progressive individuals already leading the way in East Belfast’s community voluntary sector and hear about their individual leadership journeys. Grateful to be surrounded by such positivity, purpose, and passion.

So-called “vigilante anti-groups” in East Belfast need to understand that their unposted targeting of people who care for our elderly in nursing homes, who work in our hospitals saving lives, and who contribute every day to our community many of whom have lived here for decades is completely unacceptable and wrong! If someone causes harm or raises genuine, accurate community concerns, we should speak up I’m totally in support of that, but it needs to be accurate. Going after innocent, hardworking people because of prejudice isn’t protecting the community it’s damaging it.

Putting a replica migrant boat on a bonfire isn’t personally my culture. Neither is building bonfires so massive they threaten homes or community safety. That’s not tradition, and it certainly doesn’t represent most unionist bonfire sites, which are respectful, well managed, and proudly celebrate our culture. That is just common sense! Every year, in the lead-up to the 11th and 12th, the media fixates on the worst examples and ignores the hard work so many communities put into celebrating safely and responsibly, and that's never going to change. However, it’s been interesting to see Sinn Fein politicians weigh in strongly on these issues when just a few months back, some were cheering on Kneecap as they chanted “kill your local MP” and “Brits out of Ireland.” It’s sad that anyone would think that unionist communities should or be expected to take lectures from a party whose members are still knee-deep in glorifying past violence and terrorism. We all want peace and respect for our traditions. But respect has to be mutual!

Let alone the weekend every time I hear Kneecap’s name, I can’t help but continue to think of Jo Cox’s two young sons who go to bed each night without their mum and of Sir David Amess’s grieving family. Those families are living with the real consequences of the words “kill your local MP.” Kneecap aren’t rebels. They’re terror sympathisers, backed by “friends” in woolly masks who tortured, murdered, and brutalised this country for decades. That’s where they draw their energy from. This isn’t art. It’s cruelty. #JoCox #DavidAmess

A great, insightful evening at the Welders, organised by the Legacy Project. The event focused on the positives of the United Kingdom, the growth and potential of Northern Ireland, and the challenges our country faces. @PeterShirlow and @LeeReynoldsUKNI delivered thought-provoking and positive presentations that offered valuable perspectives. It’s encouraging to see positive, forward-thinking events like this within communities.

A much needed break away with friends exploring Thailand & making some new memories! 🇹🇭

Public Meeting with East Belfast DPCSP This is a great opportunity for members of the local community to ask questions about policing and community safety in East Belfast. 📍 Venue: Skainos Centre, 239 Newtownards Road, BT4 1AF 📅 Date: Thursday, 27th February 2025 ☕ Refreshments: 12:30 PM 🕑 Meeting Starts: 1:00 PM

Just finished listening to The Downing Street Years audiobook over Christmas. Regardless of where you stand on Margaret Thatcher, her decision-making process is fascinating deep, methodical, and principled. A real insight into the mindset behind her leadership & decisions Found it very good!

“ if we are kind and polite, the world will be right “ Happy New Year! 🙂

It is childish and counterproductive for politicians to make false or indeed opportunistic criticisms of the PSNI before allowing time for investigation. Particularly concerning is that some of the most vocal criticisms are coming from members of the Justice Minister’s party, raising other questions in itself. Such actions from these politicians risk undermining public confidence in policing and demoralizing officers who are already working under extremely challenging circumstances. It’s highly embarrassing but not surprising for these politicians to be jumping the gun and attacking the PSNI, before understanding the full accurate account of the incident. Goats!!

I had the most enjoyable Christmas, spent with family and friends. While I’m surrounded by loved ones today and feel incredibly blessed to be, I also see & understand the deep loneliness and isolation for many around me, and that today of all days highlights within peoples heads & hearts what they truly miss. Merry Christmas, everyone sending love from my family to yours!