IRSP Belfast

Divis/Ardmoulin Protest Shows the Power of Community Action Over the weekend, the IRSP held a protest at Ardmoulin Terrace in Divis to highlight the ongoing crisis caused by a long-ignored problem property in the area. We want to sincerely thank everyone who came out and stood with us in defence of our community. The PSNI maintained a presence during the protest. But, as usual, they were nowhere to be seen when the actual anti-social behaviour was happening. That silence speaks for itself. The Housing Executive eventually acted, but only after relentless pressure. And even then, the job was left half done, with the property still accessible to those who had used it to terrorise residents. Let’s be clear. If this situation had happened anywhere outside Divis or the Lower Falls, it would have been resolved long ago. The only reason any action was taken at all is because the IRSP stepped up, led from the front, and organised real community resistance. IRSP member Michael Kelly addressed the protest, thanking residents for their solidarity and urging people to learn about the growing threat of gentrification that is displacing working-class communities like ours. As expected, Sinn Féin were nowhere to be seen. No statement, no visit, no sign of concern. Instead, they were busy attending a talk with the so-called great and good to mark twenty years since IRA decommissioning. Meanwhile, our community continues to suffer today. They continue to tell residents to phone the PSNI, knowing full well the level of anger and distrust that exists in this area. Let’s not forget that it was not so long ago they stood on platforms beside PSNI Chief George Hamilton and UVF commander Winkie Irvine, all while ignoring the real problems affecting our streets. The weekend’s protest proved once again that real change does not come from politicians or panels. It comes from ordinary people standing together and refusing to be ignored.