There had been hopes that firm police action, strong condemnation from most but not all of our elected representatives and, most of all, a wave of public anger had largely ended the appalling racist attacks which have brought shame on our entire community.
Unfortunately, as the shocking destruction of a prominent bar and restaurant in Newtownabbey earlier this week confirmed, a small group of evil individuals are still determined to send out their message of hatred towards those who come from different backgrounds.
Abjan Acharya had opened his Steam Dining outlet on the Ballyclare Road earlier this year, successfully expanding it and employing 12 people before the arsonists struck in the early hours of Wednesday.
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Fires were started at multiple sites around the large complex on a busy thoroughfare in a built-up area, in what police are treating as a racially motivated hate crime, leaving only the four walls standing.
To leave their motivation in no doubt, the perpetrators scrawled crude “Muslims Out” slogans on the exterior of the building, even though Mr Achaya is a Hindu who grew up in Belfast but is originally from Nepal.
The business has been forced to close permanently, all the jobs will be lost, and there will be fears that not just other properties but lives will be placed at serious risk if the those responsible are not swiftly brought to justice.
While politicians from all parties have spoken out against the Newtownabbey outrage, some have been more direct than others and a number of voices within unionism have had very little of consequence to say since the despicable campaign of racist violence escalated from the start of August.
A number of voices within unionism have had very little of consequence to say since the despicable campaign of racist violence escalated from the start of August
As this newspaper reported yesterday, DUP representatives initially made no public comment after a motorcycle was destroyed by fire, causing scorch damage to a house, and attempts were made to burn out a car in what police described as a racially motivated attack in the loyalist Village area of Belfast on Monday night.
When contacted by The Irish News, a DUP spokesman said there could be no place for racism, or any form of attacks, and urged anyone with information to pass it on to the police.
It has been well documented that many of the people who became involved in the recent anti-migrant protests, which developed into street confrontations and rioting in Belfast over recent weeks, were influenced by false claims and blatant misinformation, largely spread via social media.
All our politicians have a responsibility to show clear leadership and challenge the extremists who have viciously targeted vulnerable men, women and children in a range of areas.
