The overwhelming majority of people in our community are kind, caring and welcoming. Those who have carried out racist attacks do not and will never speak for people here. I visited the local community, including some of our ethnic groups, in North Belfast to offer my support.

The community of North Belfast is made up of incredibly kind, generous and welcoming people. Today I met with community and youth leaders, representatives from ethnic minority communities, and local residents in Kinnaird, Ardoyne and The Bone to offer my full support following Monday's vicious attack. I also met with health workers in the Mater Hospital to offer my support during these difficult times. In recent days, we have witnessed dangerous and disgraceful racist attacks across the North. There can be absolutely no place in our communities for racism. But what has not been recognised enough is the work being done every day by people at the heart of our communities to support one another. Despite the disgraceful efforts of those seeking to sow hate and division, communities are standing together. That spirit of solidarity represents the very best of us. Thank you to everyone in North Belfast who took the time to speak with me today, and to all those who continue to be a beacon of light during these difficult times.

I've just left the Mater Hospital after meeting health workers from many backgrounds who are genuinely terrified for their own safety and for the safety of their families. They are appealing for those behind these attacks to stop. These health workers are the people who care for us and our loved ones when we need them most. I made sure to share with them the deep appreciation that the vast majority of people have for the work they do every single day

Today I stood side-by-side with Mayor of Belfast Róis-Máire Donnelly, in full support and solidarity, following threats against her life. Róis-Máire is a young, energetic and dedicated activist and represents the very best of this city and its people. We will not be deterred in working for all communities and building a better society free from intimidation, hatred and division.

The scenes we all saw last night were nothing short of disgraceful. None of this is about community. It is thuggery.

I want to extend my full support and solidarity to the Finucane family as the public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane begins today. Today is a testament to the incredible strength and resilience of Pat's wife, Geraldine, and the entire Finucane family. Despite every obstacle placed in their way, they refused to give up and refused to give in. For decades, they have campaigned with dignity and courage in pursuit of truth and justice. I hope this inquiry finally uncovers the full truth behind the killing of Pat Finucane, a renowned human rights lawyer and, above all, a loving husband, father, brother and son. The Finucane family deserve nothing less.

Groups of masked men burning families out of their homes is nothing less than disgusting cowardice. This has nothing to do with community. This is outright thuggery. The attack in North Belfast was heinous and wrong. But there are dangerous attempts to exploit that to target and attack innocent people who are simply trying to live, work and raise their families here. Racism, intimidation and violence are wrong wherever they occur. There can be no excuse and no justification for these attacks tonight. No one wants to see this on our streets and I again appeal for calm.

Last night's attack in North Belfast was horrific. My thoughts are with the injured man and all those who responded at the scene. I want to recognise the bravery of members of the local community and the PSNI who put their own safety at risk in an effort to stop this vicious attack. I've been in regular contact with representatives on the ground and with the Police throughout the day, and I'll continue to offer my full support to the local community.

Last night's attack in North Belfast was harrowing. My thoughts are with the injured man and all those who responded at the scene. I also want to recognise the bravery of members of the local community who put their own safety at risk in an effort to stop this vicious attack. This morning I have spoken with the Chief Constable and will remain in contact with him over the coming period. I would urge people to give the PSNI the space it needs to carry out a full investigation so that justice can be done.

Sinn Féin is working in councils across Ireland to support workers and families and build stronger communities. It was fantastic to meet our six new Mayors and Chairs to discuss how we can work together over the next 12 months. Representing people from all backgrounds, strengthening public services and tackling the cost of living are shared priorities for us all. As tireless community champions, I know our Mayors and Chairs will work hard everyday to create better opportunities and a brighter future for all.

I have spent the last few days in the United States meeting political and business leaders, trade unions, and the Irish diaspora. It was an invaluable opportunity to showcase the very best of our people and island, and to make the case for greater investment, creating more well-paid jobs and building a better future for people at home. The historic change unfolding in Ireland was front and centre of conversations. With more and more people at home looking to a future beyond the Union, there is growing interest in what comes next. There is a new chapter being written. A future where all our people take control of their own affairs and destiny, and together shape a united Ireland that betters the lives of everyone who calls this island home.

I want to send my love and support to Natalie McNally’s family, to her mum and dad, Bernie and Noel, and to her brothers Declan, Niall, and Brendan. The strength and dignity the McNally family have shown through these years of unimaginable pain has been remarkable. Natalie was a beautiful and talented young woman with a truly vibrant personality that we have all come to know through her family, and that is how she deserves to be remembered. I want to pay tribute to how the McNally family have found the strength, amidst this heartache, to become powerful advocates to end violence against women and girls. Every one of us has a responsibility to ensure no family ever endures the heartbreak the McNallys have faced, and to do all we can to bring an end to violence against women and girls.

I want to pay tribute to the families of those murdered in the Springhill/Westrock massacre by the British army who for more than five decades have campaigned for truth, justice and acknowledgement. Despite obstacles, challenges and setbacks, they never gave up and never gave in. Their dignity and resilience over the past 53 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. The recent vindication in the courts, along with today’s apology by the British Prime Minister, stands as a testament to the families’ perseverance. Today belongs to the victims of the Springhill/Westrock massacre, to their families, and to the people of West Belfast who stood shoulder to shoulder with them throughout this long and hard journey.

Two leaders who have turned up for the community. Thank you Tracy for your leadership in your year as mayor and Ádh mór Róis-Máire for your year ahead 👏👏

Róis-Máire Donnelly has been elected Ard-Mhéara Bhéal Feirste. A young woman from Ballymurphy and proud Gaeilgeoir, she will serve all the people and communities of Belfast. This is an enormous year for our city as we welcome Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, and there is no better Mayor to lead it! 👏🏻

No party should ever again have the power to block the formation of an Executive. Today Sinn Féin launched our reform proposals, which would help deliver effective and stable government for workers and families. You can read our proposals here: sinnfein.ie/building-better-…

Sinn Féin has today launched our reform proposals, which include making sure no party should ever again block the formation of an Executive. Workers and families need and deserve effective and stable government, and Sinn Féin will continue working to build a better politics for all. You can read our proposals here: sinnfein.ie/building-better-…

Keir Starmer is leaving workers and families high and dry during this cost of living crisis. We have asked for a meeting to make clear just how hard people are finding it to make ends meet, and to press for action. This has not happened. People work hard to get by. They deserve to be supported. I won’t give up, I’ll keep fighting for our workers, families, and communities.