09/10/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FFVEfv8fm/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The recent decision by the Secretary of State to reverse a position that had been upheld through the courts has left many people angry, frustrated, and questioning whether the rule of law still applies equally to everyone.
It was not that long ago that peaceful protesters in our own town saw dawn raids carried out on 12 homes, individuals spending months in prison, and strict bail conditions imposed that continue to this day. They followed the instructions given to them by the PSNI, yet they felt the full force of the legal system.
Where was the flexibility then? Where was the understanding? Where was the invitation to sit down over a coffee and discuss concerns?
Instead, law-abiding people were treated as criminals while now it appears that threats, intimidation, and the prospect of disorder are rewarded with political concessions. The perception created by this decision is deeply damaging and raises serious questions about consistency, fairness, and accountability.
Perhaps the biggest question of all is this:
Where does the loyalist and unionist community go from here in terms of working with the PSNI in their local communities?
For years, communities have been encouraged to engage positively, build relationships and support policing. Yet many will now ask what message is being sent when those who work within the law face the harshest consequences, while others appear to achieve their objectives through pressure and intimidation.
That is not the foundation on which trust is built.
The public deserve answers. They deserve consistency. And they deserve to know that court decisions and the rule of law cannot simply be overturned when enough pressure is applied.
Many ordinary people will look at this and conclude there is one rule for those who respect the law and another for those who threaten disorder. If that perception is allowed to take hold, the damage to public confidence will be immense.
The rule of law must be applied equally, fairly, and without fear or favour. Anything less undermines confidence in the very institutions that are supposed to protect it.