Political opinion: Defend Charlie Kirk's concept of free speech, UUP urges community
Robert Carmichael, the East Londonderry Ulster Unionist Association Chairman, has called on the entire community to rally behind the democratic concept of freedom of speech “which was a cornerstone of the beliefs of the assassinated American socially conservative influencer Charlie Kirk”.
Speaking on behalf of the UUP Association, Mr Carmichael “unreservedly condemned the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk” and also called on the entire community to remember his widow and children as well as the United States in their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Mr Carmichael added: “Whilst Charlie Kirk’s assassination happened many thousands of miles away from Northern Ireland in Utah, the Christian values for which he died and especially his love of the concept of freedom of speech also resonate with many folk here in Northern Ireland.
“Freedom of speech is a key hallmark of any democratic nation. As a society, we must keep this flame of democracy alive.
“Sadly, Charlie Kirk may be dead, but we who believe passionately in the ideals which he lived for, and was assassinated for, must ensure his legacy continues to be defended for the sake of the future of democracy especially in Northern Ireland, which has suffered so much from violent terrorism over the generations.
“The terrorist gun can never be allowed to return to democratic politics in Northern Ireland. There is always an alternative - the ballot box coupled with democratic debate.
“So we as a nation have a moral imperative to defend the right to freedom of expression,” said Mr Carmichael.