Cllr DENISE JOHNSTON
@DENISEJOHNSTO10
Followers
4K
Following
50K
Media
3K
Statuses
42K
SDLP Councillor for Moyola. Committed to reconciliation of our people. Despise the infliction of violence on innocent people. Head of History/ Politics @slg
Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
Joined March 2012
This is how I like to think of them, up there walking on heavenly beaches knowing the seeds they planted have taken root and those who follow will nurture their crop. Rest easy your work is done and we remain forever in your debt.
51
101
1K
May his soul rot in hell for eternity.
#OnThisDay 13 August 1649, Oliver Cromwell sets sail for Ireland with his New Model Army. An expeditionary force of 12,000 men. Their mission to defeat the Irish Catholic Confederation and recover Ireland for parliament.
91
194
3K
I’m a moderate nationalist, fair minded and even handed. I am genuine in my aspirations towards a reconciliation of people, respective of what both communities have endured and interested in building a future. However I have to say that this piece of work makes my blood boil.
180
119
1K
@JohnnyMercerUK John Pat Cunningham never saw 80 because he was shot in the back. He was 27, a vulnerable adult with a mental age of 10, he was frightened of soldiers and fled when he saw two British army Land Rovers approaching. He kept running. Five shots were fired and he died where he fell.
1
102
1K
Fantastic achievement @Doiregaa but can I also commend those members of the Orange Order who were in the village for a parade and who clapped for our minors as they arrived in the village. This is how it should be.
24
98
1K
A legend of a man who dedicated his best years to all the people of this place. Criticised, vilified and targeted by both sides he never gave up. He was convinced we could make this place work for everyone. He believed we could as a people be reconciled. Happy Birthday John Hume
14
122
863
I muted Bryson months ago. He brings out the worse in me. When I think of unionism I don’t want him influencing my thinking. Instead I think of all the lovely unionists that I know who want to live in harmony with us as good neighbours. Bryson is a poison, infecting our peace.
38
47
838
I’ve absolutely no time for those who paint poles, kerbs etc in 🟩⬜️🟧 or 🟥⬜️🟦.It’s tacky looking, it’s disrespectful and given we should all be comfortable in our own identity, it serves no purpose. Had to take this in to our own hands this evening but it’s sorted now.
74
21
686
This is Michelle O’Neill on the picket line rightly demanding pay parity. Couldn’t agree more!.The other is a letter signed by the Health Minister, none other than Michelle O’Neill denying the nurses pay parity. Welcome to the politics of Sinn Fein Ireland.
41
345
649
@JohnnyMercerUK His family deserve justice and no one must be exempt from the law. If Dennis Hutchins is innocent he has nothing to fear and everything to gain. If he is guilty he must be held accountable. No ifs, no buts.
6
25
627
Twenty one years ago we had Mo Mowlam the right woman in the right job at the right time. What a woman!
12
62
616
Seriously @StephenNolan you have helped sectarianise GAA for a story. At funerals GAA members escort ppl to & from wakes.They organise bingo, whist, social gatherings .They have girls and boys playing Gaelic, hurling, camogie and handball keeping young motivated fit & healthy.
62
29
594
Couldn’t let today go by with sparing a thought for this young man Michael McGoldrick. I still remember hearing it on radio and being so saddened. Killed as a present for Billy Wright the former UVF now LVF leader. Michael wanted to be a teacher and just finished his degree.
24
93
524
Important message from Alan McBride this morning.
19
106
511
A pupil brought in a picture of this medal her great great grandfather had been awarded. What can you tell us twitterites?
83
30
531
Remembering these humble political giants that led @SDLPlive steering this place towards peace, giving us the tools to make this a better place. Good men. #GoodFridayAgreement
25
54
504
FYI Twitter. All nationalists are not shinners.
44
19
470
If young people want an honest account of our past and a common sense approach to what our future should be they should listen to @PatricKielty and watch the two documentaries he did. A great ambassador for what we could be.
“I think that I thought I was dealing with it.”. @patrickielty tells @Tommedian about the experience of his father being shot dead when he was aged just 16. #TommyTiernanShow
9
55
484
Lost her eye in a car bomb while she was pregnant, her son born 6 months later. He was murdered when he was 18. “There is no bitterness in this home. only love” full of admiration for this woman. Ashamed of EO!.Where is our victims pension? @BrandonLewis @moneillsf @DUPleader
26
121
469
This is NOT acceptable @ChiefConPSNI and it needs to be taken down immediately! Cookstown Main Street.
53
102
450
What a powerful image from yesterday’s all Ireland, an amazing game rightfully won by Tyrone.
6
37
426
When I look at this and think of what we had in John Hume I could quite literally weep.
Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson in Irish soccer kit, waving Irish passport, in European Parliament. #PoliticalFootball
31
46
389
I honestly cannot find the words to fully describe the absurdity of this woman seeking out offence, where to most, there’s none to be found. Years of no, nay, never has irreparably damaged her.
Dame Arlene Foster has questioned whether the US President delivered a major snub to the United Kingdom by not flying the Union Flag on his official car – but opting to fly the Irish tricolour.
52
29
365
To my fellow Irish nationalists, all those who aspire to an UI, one where all are cherished, we cannot be persuaders by gleefully poking our neighbours in the eye with the glorification of the paramilitaries that killed their loved ones. We cannot take a break from reaching out.
29
38
372
Bear with me. On a mild October Saturday morning like today a bomb was detonated triggering a week long massacre of innocent people by the IRA, UVF & UDA. It was a week that broke our former leader John Hume who was engaged in those uncomfortable talks that was opposed by many.
14
47
358
Thinking a lot about Good Friday 23 yrs ago. These three amazing women played an important role in delivering peace. I hope that perhaps some days our ladies at the top would think about their input and let them be an inspiration to them to find away of resolving difficulties.
10
46
340
This young mother was 29 out trying to make a few pound to help her family. Someone in the IRA decided killing her would help get the ‘Brits Out’. I don’t know how they sleep at night.
#OnThisDay in 1981 the IRA murdered Joanne Mathers, 29. Married mother of 1 helping with census form. Man put gun to her head & fired. “I told our son his Mummy wasn’t coming back because she was in heaven. He thought that was a great place for her” #OTD
22
102
338
I would call on all political parties to call for the resignation of SOS Karen Bradley. There can be no justifying or whitewashing of these killings. Nationalist or Unionist we all have to accept the murder of innocents is never dignified nor appropriate and is criminal.
11
82
335
@JamieBrysonCPNI Don’t be so bloody ridiculous. You would defend the indefensible even when he is found guilty in a court of law. Take the blinkers of and think of the family who had their son murdered as he walked along the road. Be guided by ‘right and wrong’ instead of ‘green and orange’.
14
3
339
Michelle O’Neill is 100% wrong! They do the next generation a great disservice in propagating such nonsense. I’ll take this opportunity to remind you that the majority of nationalists disagreed with the ‘armed struggle’.
Michelle O'Neill's 'no alternative' to Provisional IRA violence comment provokes backlash
59
60
332
Whenever SF committed to constitutional politics I believed we were entering an new era believing the new generation of SF reps would reject violence. I didn’t realise the old hands would put such effort into legitimising, glorifying and justifying violence. 😔😔😔.
37 yrs ago 38 Irish Republican prisoners were getting into a lorry at H7 and heading to the front gate of Long Kesh and freedom. One of Big Bob’s best ops! I had the privilege of the front passenger seat. Well someone had to check we were taking the right route out!!
50
60
314
A Xmas arch made by my very talented daughter.
26
3
326
When is violence not violence?. When Sinn Fein say it isn’t. 🙄.
38
51
320
I’m sick to the teeth of this ‘No Surrender’ and ‘Tiocfaidh ár lá’ crap. Stop living in the past and look to the future where we can live together as good neighbours.
33
23
312
Those on tonight giving off about the cranberries “Zombie” criticising their ignorance, only highlight their own. The same ppl would undoubtedly join in with the ooh ahh s***e!. Enjoy Irelands victory - Ireland as one nation - this is supposed to be the Ireland you aspire to 🙄.
46
22
319
Having a wee glass on a Monday but for a very special occasion. Celebrating birth of a beautiful little grandson 😊
35
4
321
Jamie says nationalists don’t care about young lad and his family, when did he start speaking for nationalists? I as a nationalist do care as do many others. Wrong again @JamieBrysonCPNI 🙄.
55
21
309
@RobinSwannMoH comes across so well one can see he’s absolutely committed to his department that has been starved of funding for years. I’ve no doubt mistakes have been made but in terms of our options with politicians he is the right person in the right place at the right time.
18
21
306
How VERY disingenuous of the @DUPleader to imply that nationalists wanted a No Deal Brexit! We campaigned both against Brexit and a NDB! .Really disgraceful comments from the First Minister.
48
35
301
The view from my window this morning. It’s a good one.
9
15
296
It would be conducive to reconciliation if either @MaryLouMcDonald or @moneillsf would say today what happened this day 50yrs ago in Claudy resulting in deaths of 9 including children was wrong and pledge to the families their help in getting truth & justice for them from IRA.
28
41
284
Thinking today of Kathleen Gillespie who’s husband Patsy, a cook, was chained to a van carrying a bomb, sacrificed by Derry’s self declared Óglaigh na hÉireann. He was blown to bits. Kathleen works to this day promoting reconciliation. A real lady and it is an honour to know her
8
36
277
The guy who once said he’d never voted for SF wanted SDLP to remove themselves from the ballot paper in East Derry to give SF chance of taking the seat. Of course it’s good for ‘likes’ 🙄
Fair play to the SDLP for saving Gregory Campbell’s political career.
67
19
289
Message to my unionist neighbours. We are neighbours. We share this piece of land we all call home. We have more in common with you than English nationalists. Let us work together for all our people. Do not let sectarian politics divide us. Do not let Brexit destroy progress.
19
48
276
So I’m watching BBC 1 Troubles and based on what I’m hearing should we now call them DUPUVF every time they refer to SFIRA?.
23
50
256
I appreciate that I may have hurt some peoples feelings and I’m sorry but I have to say I feel very strongly about this. Soldiers should not be given an amnesty but I also believe there should be NO amnesties for IRA, INLA, UVF, LVF and UDA. I cannot be clearer on where I stand.
29
8
264
Before this day comes to a close, give a thought to the heavy lifting of these @SDLPlive men, to ensure the tools for a peaceful future were in our hands. Thanks John and Seamus, legends.
13
19
263
Remembering those innocent men coming from a days work,lined up and shot dead by IRA just because they were Protestants. Suzanne Breen: Republicans demand truth and justice, but ignore IRA’s shameful silence on Kingsmill massacre |
26
65
279
Today's announcement by the PPS really should not come as a surprise to anyone. Tip toeing around SF seems to be common practice by the PSNI, NIO, British Gov't and PPS. It would seem it is the extortionate price we pay for peace. There is no reward for decency in our politics.
20
37
257
@SJAMcBride Spot on Sam as usual. The DUP have zero vision, always in reactionary mode. Mean spirited and arrogant they have done more for the demise of the union than any other party.
1
8
234
John Hume born this day 1937. Still my hero and my inspiration, a guide in everything I do. Happy heavenly birthday to Irelands greatest.
13
24
255
@LordWeirDUP In fairness Peter your party are not putting candidates in FST and North Down to ensure a unionists gets in. It’s no different.
11
1
231
“Pan nationalist front” I really thought we’d left those days behind us. Shame on @duponline.
Hard to believe the DUP tried to sectarianise a debate on school safety today. They got exactly the response they deserved from @McCrossanMLA.
24
18
218
Pat Hume: The woman who never gave up ‘republicans threw a stone through the living room window along with a petrol bomb with the Hume children inside. And still she held out her hand and not a fist, believing in a non-violent way to resolve the conflict.’.
4
39
236
Seamus Mallon - the first rule of politics- be there!
59
24
231
Apart from breaking Covid regulations what about this despicable banner? 23yrs on from GFA to see such hatred proudly on display is bitterly disappointing. I presume they associate fenian with Catholics, glad to say as one I do not hate them. In fact I pity them.
53
28
221
I would urge @little_pengelly to condemn these posters that are emerging. Emma knows that both Claire and @SDLPlive are in no way associated with Sean Kelly and have always stood by the people of the Shankill in horror & condemnation of that grotesque deed. Reeks of desperation😡.
Will the Shankill Bomber be campaigning for the Sinn Fein/SDLP Joint South Belfast Candidate?. We Wonder.
47
36
212
Nothing personal but tbh none of the DUP MPs strike me as having been very successful at the one job they had to do. Just saying.
6
9
218
John Hume clearly seen standing with the people and speaking out against the injustices of the times. Then they had the audacity to call him a ‘stoop’. A man who devoted his life to preservation of life and ensuring opportunities and equality for all. A true hero sorely missed.
18
26
212
Thinking of the powerful force that was Mo Mowlam, an absolute God send to this place in our time of need, doing the right job, in the right place at the right time. Hope you’re giving them hell up there! . Not forgotten by the people of NI.
6
16
210
@JoeBrolly1993 Ku Klux Klan? The guys that hid behind masks and killed innocent people? Don’t think we EVER supported that kind of thing 🤦🏻♀️.
21
6
212
I’d like to remind the ever so defiant Martina of the events of the last few days that have seen mayhem and murder by people who learnt everything they know from the militant IRA that SF eulogise daily. Feel the hand of responsibility upon your shoulder and hang your head!.
“Today we passed Raymond McCreesh park. I’d like to send a message to political unionism, the orange order, the SDLP and self-serving independents - The people of Newry named it Raymond McCreesh Park - and Raymond McCreesh Park it will remain!” #SF2019
12
46
207
Next year in AE22 it is in your hands to change this cycle of bitterness, arrogance and chaos. Vote differently. There’s a party of decency for everyone to choose from.
56
22
203
The British government have done some terrible things over the years but this I believe is the the cruelest of them all. No morals.No sense of decency .No compassion for those who’ve suffered so much already. Shame on every MP who supported it.
9
37
202
I swear to God I just heard Edwin Poots complain about the British government not providing governance 🤯. Carlsberg don’t do irony but if they did …….
9
15
202
Well if this doesn’t win the Nobel prize for irony I don’t know what will!.
Sinn Féin is introducing new legislation in the Dáil today to prevent social media accounts being used to anonymously defame, abuse and harass people.
25
33
200
“We fought against the republican movement”. Jim Wilson. How was killing innocent people because they were Catholic fighting the republican movement? .This is what happens when we allow the sanitising of history to go unchecked.
Loyalist Jim Wilson tells UVF victim son "you know absolutely nothing about the conflict". Podcast 📲 @BBCSounds
21
33
190
Listen folks it’s not for me to go into a unionist area to remove red white and blue. If unionist leaders followed suit we could rid our towns and villages of this tacky territorial marking. It shouldn’t be there in the first place. Sometimes leadership is by example.
I’ve absolutely no time for those who paint poles, kerbs etc in 🟩⬜️🟧 or 🟥⬜️🟦.It’s tacky looking, it’s disrespectful and given we should all be comfortable in our own identity, it serves no purpose. Had to take this in to our own hands this evening but it’s sorted now.
17
14
193
UVF orders removal of Catholic families from Carrickfergus housing estate in '21st century form of ethnic cleansing' . Executive Office- let’s give the paramilitaries ( both sides) £10 million of public money. 😡
15
106
182
Remembering Seamus Mallon on his 4th anniversary. A true peacemaker who talked the talk and walked the walk. Proud to have worked with him giving a platform to victims of our troubled past. A life well lived. @SDLPlive
11
27
188
This is the new mural in Toome recognising the importance of the fishing tradition to the community, a way of life that sadly is now under threat with the combination of troubles impacting the lough. Beautiful mural.
8
11
195
As this week of anniversaries approaches many will focus on the victims of the IRA others the victims of UVF, could we as a people remember all, their lives were all equally precious, they all had families forever scarred.Unionist. Nationalist. Grief and pain doesn’t distinguish.
7
45
189
We must try to remember there were and are so many good decent people who rejected violence. Alan Black the sole survivor of Kingsmill speaking about the Reaveys “a nice, decent, very good family” telling how they came to see him so glad that he was alive.
7
36
186
Watch Hancock squirm on @Peston as the formidable @jessphillips says it as it is. Well said Jess 👏👏👏
7
46
178
Just for clarity . Speaking out against SF’s no alternative’ argument it simply means I place greater value on life. It does NOT* mean you’re . Pro DUP.Pro British .Pro Union.West Brit.Non Catholic . * caps for a reason 😉. Simple - don’t know why some don’t (want to) get that.
15
20
187
Remembering the families who lost their loved ones in the Greysteel Massacre. The killers were fuelled by hatred borne out of unabated fiery rhetoric that demonised a community. It is not forgotten nor is the toll it took on those pursuing peace.
4
37
191
Despite all the promises made, the Lough Neagh rescue plan has being held up by the Executive who cannot reach agreement on 17 of the actions proposed in Andrew Muirs plan. Where has the sense of urgency gone as our Lough once again exhibits the signs of its deterioration 😡
25
72
185
“For Archie . the realisation that there was nothing he could do to prevent her being taken away was the source of a particular grief and pain that was with him every hour of his life from then on”. “Those who took Jean McConville that terrible day laid waste to an entire family”.
Tributes paid to Archie McConville, son of Disappeared victim Jean McConville, following his death aged 65
12
43
190
Finally made it to the Giants Causeway after 50+ years!
22
5
175
Doug gets the importance of condemning all killings not just those carried out by one side. When all our politicians are at this point we will have nailed it!.
The next 48hrs - 45 years ago - saw the senseless murder of Constable Clifford Evans, the sectarian murders of the Reavey & O’Dowd family members & the slaughter of working class men at Kingsmill. If you support any of these murders you support them all. #Legacy
14
15
184
There were rules in relation to shindigs and then there were rules in relation to funerals. Similarities: Rules broken. Differences: @fiannafailparty and @FineGael resign. @sinnfeinireland did not!. Carlsberg don’t do brass neck but if they did. .
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald says she does not think there is an equivalence between attending the funeral of Bobby Storey and the event in Clifden, adding that “these are difficult times and the restrictions are difficult” | More:
10
52
184
Wishing all my unionist neighbours a happy and peaceful 12th. I hope that there will be no more injuries or fatalities around the bonfires. I also hope that ppl don’t demean themselves by burning flags, effigies and electoral posters of nationalist neighbours.There’s room for all.
12
14
178
A crime committed by thugs, just like those gangland criminals that some say are not comparable to paramilitaries. #ThereWasAnAlternative #NoAmnesty.
On this day in 1994, the Provisional IRA murdered Frank Kerr (53), while they were robbing the post office where he worked in Newry. They also stole £131,000. This was during their apparent “ceasefire”. And some say there is no comparison between the IRA and gangland criminals?
7
51
184
John McKerr (49) was shot, died nine days later. At the time he had been accused of having a gun in his right hand and being an IRA member. His daughter Anne Ferguson told the court this was impossible - as he didn't have a right hand, having lost it as a soldier fighting in WWII.
Families' tributes to men shot dead at Ballymurphy
0
91
174
My favourite quote from @BeattieDoug when asked about why he didn’t join DUP.“I’d rather stick knitting needles in my eyes “.That should be enough for every reasonable,moderate, progressive unionist!.
5
13
173
New addition to the family, as if there isn’t enough madness in this home already!
24
1
168
I could be wrong about this and feel free to correct me if so but in believe this to be the only picture that the McConvilles have of their mother. It’s 49 years since she was dragged from the arms of her hysterical children, driven away, interrogated, murdered and disappeared 😞
14
38
175
Let’s not be side tracked by SFs own version of Trump today. Let’s remember the murder of this young lad who had every bone in his body broken, those who brutally killed him walk our streets😡. Paul Quinn: Why does his murder still hang over Sinn Féin?
11
60
167
To the 5260 people who voted Cara, and those who voted for Gemma some republicans would like to dictate to you how to vote. Fascism springs to mind.
61
13
172
Thinking of all the truck drivers today who do an unenviable job without any tangible appreciation. Stuck in mile long queues, no refreshments, no toilets, pressurised to deliver goods on time and wondering if they’ll make it home to be with their families this Xmas.
3
11
170
John Hume: the politician who made peace possible. On the day that it is, an important reminder of the man who brought us hope. We are forever in his debt.
5
30
169
Some leaders lead and others are led. Some are sincere, genuinely seeking a United people. Others engage in slogans and empty words. John Hume was a true leader who asked a lot of us and every day we retreat to the silos we let him down. Thinking today of John & Oct ‘93.
0
12
166
A little announcement. Always a believer in the @SDLPlive passion and compassion for people. Delighted to be their candidate in the upcoming local elections.
24
5
170
What a new Ireland would look like….one team, four provinces, all identities respected ….a win win for us all.
31
13
162
Seriously folks if you’re criticising one community for blatant sectarianism make sure you’re prepared to criticise the other community for equally blantant sectarianism. If you cannot do that you are PART OF THE PROBLEM!.
11
14
168
A wee boy. 14. There are no words 😢.
SEFF remembers Philip Rafferty, 14, RC, murdered 48 yrs ago, 31/1/73 by UDA/UFF after he was abducted close to his home in Andersonston, around 21:30 the day before when on his way to band practice. He was found hooded & shot at the Giant's Ring. His parents reported him .
9
24
162