Call for investigation after Belfast's Mary Ann McCracken city hall statue damaged and Irish inscription targeted
The statue of campaigner and advocate Mary Ann McCracken was erected outside the building in March last year alongside trade unionist Winifred Carney to mark International Women's Day.
Both were the first non-royal women to get statues in the grounds of the building.
Sinn Féin councillor Ronan McLaughlin said the statue has been defaced and called for a 'full investigation' into the damage.
He also claimed the damage targeted the specific section of the statue which was in Irish.
'It is disgraceful that the statue of Mary Ann McCracken has targeted and damaged,' said the councillor.
'Even more concerning is that the damage appears to have been aimed specifically at the section inscribed as Gaeilge.
'This statue stands proudly at city hall in memory of a remarkable anti-slavery campaigner and Irish republican.
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'I have spoken with council officials and called for a full investigation into the damage. I have also asked that the matter be referred to the PSNI.
'Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions to ensure this intolerant behaviour is not repeated.
'Sinn Féin is calling for repairs to be carried out as quickly as possible so the statue can continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.'
The PSNI and Belfast City Council have been contacted.
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