Statement by Traditional Unionist Voice Leader Jim Allister:-

“The ethnic cleansing that we’ve seen in Rasharkin this summer is no accident.

“It is part of the cruel design of republicanism to drive every last Protestant out of the village, just as they have done in Dunloy. Where is next?

“This is all part of the age-old “Brits Out” strategy of republicanism. Cultural exclusion and extinction of all things British is today the weapon of choice of the IRA in the latest phase of its campaign. It used to be the armalite and the ballot box, now its territory grab and power at Stormont.

“What is happening in these selected parts of North Antrim is a reminder of what an all-Ireland future would hold – decimation of the Protestant and Unionist population, just as happened in the Republic. There always was a sinister dimension and meaning to the “ourselves alone” persona of Sinn Fein and in Rasharkin we are seeing it in action.

“I believe Sinn Fein has it within its power to stop the persecution in Rasharkin, but sadly it suits its malevolent purposes to keep it going. Whether holding power at Stormont or seeing Protestants driven out of their homes in Rasharkin, it is all part of their strategy of conquest. Those who help them on with it in Stormont should not be surprised by what they find in Rasharkin.”