By Iain Gray

Copyright newsletter

The Justice Minister said last night’s incident, which protesters reportedly livestreamed on social media, crossed a line into “bullying and intimidation”, adding it was “threatening and wholly unacceptable”. Her husband, Belfast councillor Michael Long, stated that in 25 years in politics “no one has protested at our house” – and said that for the first time in 12 years, a police car had to sit on guard overnight in case of attack. Leading figures from across Northern Ireland’s political spectrum have roundly condemned the incident, with UUP leader Mike Nesbitt calling for the protesters to be hauled before the courts. Stating he’s “shocked, horrified and depressed” by the events of Wednesday night, the Health Minister stated: “We live in a democracy; in a democracy, you will see things you don’t like. You’ll hear things you don’t agree with. You’ll be upset by decisions politicians make. “There are acceptable ways to express your opposition. Intimidation is not one of them. I hope the PSNI have gathered enough evidence to lead to prosecution.” And DUP Lord Peter Weir described the incident outside the Longs’ house as “unacceptable and must be condemned”. He stated on social media: “A lot of us will disagree with each other on a range of issues, but protesting outside the homes of those we disagree with is simply wrong.” Posting on social media site X, formerly Twitter, Mrs Long stated: “Over the last 25 years I’ve been in front-line politics, I’ve engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives. I’ve been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not. “Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn’t on. “That line was crossed last night. It isn’t engagement and it isn’t legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police.” SDLP leader Claire Hanna said her part “sends sincere solidarity” to the Longs after “the disgraceful scenes outside their home”. “The SDLP will always stand against those who seek to use violence or intimidation,” she said. “There can be no place for it in our politics or our society. “There will always be political disagreement, particularly in a place with as fraught a history as this, but to turn up outside a politician’s home and try to intimidate them is sinister and entirely wrong.” A PSNI spokesman confirmed an investigation is under way after the police “attended a protest outside a property in east Belfast on Wednesday evening”. Added the spokesman: “An evidence-gathering operation was in place and we will now review the footage and consider if any potential offences were committed.” The Police Federation of Northern Ireland, a body representing the force’s rank and file, replied to Mrs long on X stating: “We totally condemn this and the detrimental impact it has had on your home life.” First Minister Michelle O’Neill stated on X that she sent solidarity to the Longs over the “absolutely disgusting” incident, adding: “Turning up at someone’s home is intimidation, not protest. It is never acceptable.”