Mary Lou McDonald has called on the leadership of political unionism to condemn unequivocally the “sinister and dangerous campaign of threats and intimidation against John Finucane and his family”.

The Sinn Féin President said: 

“The campaign of harassment, intimidation and threats against John Finucane and his family has been appalling and dangerous. 

“It is yet another sinister attack on the democratic process in what is fast becoming a toxic and dangerous campaign.

“Threats like this have no place in any election campaign. North Belfast deserves better.

“John Finucane is Belfast’s First Citizen. The Finucane family have fought for 30 years for justice after the assassination of John’s father Pat in 1989.

“With dignity and complete resolve they will continue to campaign and speak truth to power, and will not be silenced or intimidated by anyone in 2019.

“I am calling on all those in positions of leadership within political unionism, and in particular the leadership of the DUP to unequivocally condemn this in the strongest possible terms.

“We also need to see political leaders supporting the police in taking action to remove banners, inciting people to hatred, and take action against those responsible.

“I will be raising this directly with the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister as political leaders have a responsibility to bring this sinister and dangerous campaign of threats and intimidation against John Finucane to an end.”