Chilling message is read out on the radio
By Roisin McManus
Belfast Media
3 July 2008
Loyalist thugs who intimidated a Catholic family out of Stoneyford are believed to behind a chilling message which was unwittingly read out on BBC Radio Ulster in recent days.
On the popular Gerry Anderson show on Friday – which was being hosted by John Toal – the following message was read out: ‘Can you please shout out a big bye bye to the Braniff family from all the boys in Stoneyford?’
The Catholic Braniff family has been subjected to a long campaign of intimidation by loyalists in Stoneyford.
Their home in Stoneyford was attacked on numerous occasions and they received death threats.
Sean Braniff said that he is in no doubt that loyalists are behind the message. He said that although his family has moved out of Stoneyford it is obvious that the intimidation hasn’t stopped.
He and his young family fled the village in March while other family members left the village last week after being subjected to intimidation.
“This is obviously a cynical message,” said Sean. “I’m angry.
“I believe that the BBC should be more responsible.”
Sinn Féin MLA Paul Butler has called on the BBC to apologise to members of the Braniff family.
“It is clear that this request related to the latest sectarian attack in the village on three generations of the same family,” said Paul Butler.
“While the presenter of the programme would obviously not be aware of any malice in the request it has caused more hurt to a family who are still coming to terms with being intimidated out of their homes.”
Paul Butler said the PSNI should also investigate with the BBC the source of the bogus request and take action if possible.
A spokesman for the BBC said that BBC Northern Ireland has been made aware of this issue and is currently looking in to it.
“BBC Radio Ulster receives a high volume of requests for its live programming,” he said.
“These are read out live on air in good faith and are an important part our audience’s interaction with the station.
“BBC Radio Ulster does take considerable care to avoid broadcasting comments which are inappropriate and would never knowingly transmit intimidating or threatening remarks.
“We regret the obvious distress which this request has caused.
“This was not our intention,” he added.
