Thousands of mourners gathered in north Belfast today for the funeral of Catholic man Gerard Lawlor who was murdered by the Ulster Freedom Fighters on Sunday night.
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Friends of Gerard Lawlor carry
his coffin in Belfast today |
The 19-year-old father of one was the victim of a sectarian attack near the Whitewell Road after a night of violence in the area. He was gunned down in a drive-by shooting after leaving a local pub.
The Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Patrick Walsh, told the funeral mass in St Gerard's Church on the Antrim Road today that politicians need to stand together and to speak with one voice in the condemnation of murder.
He said he understood police resources were stretched in north Belfast but all citizens were entitled to protection.
"All of us in positions of responsibility and leadership must honour the trust placed in us, whether as a Member of Parliament, as a Member of the Assembly, as a councillor or as a church leader. We must give true, fearless leadership at this present time.
"Once again, as I have done on so many similar, sad occasions, I make this heartfelt plea to all our elected representatives in these frightening days: have the courage to step out from your own patch, have the courage to stand together and be seen to stand together on this one issue which surely must unite you all," Dr Walsh said.
"With one united voice speak your condemnation of murder, your total commitment to uphold that most sacred and fundamental human right - the right to life".
Earlier, up to 2,000 people gathered outside the Lawlor family home as Gerard's body began its journey to the church.
Among the mourners were the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Mr Alex Maskey, and North Belfast MLA Mr Gerry Kelly, both from Sinn Féin, and SDLP councillors Mr Martin Morgan and Mr Pat Convery also attended.
PA