Graffiti attack on Longford Medical Centre condemned

The daughter of a Longford GP, whose surgery was the subject of anti abortion graffiti being strewn across its front entrance, has leapt to the defence of her father and hit out at those responsible.

Sarina Ali was reacting after vandals spray painted a series of inflammatory remarks over the doors of the long serving GP’s Longford Medical Centre at Leader House, just off the main Dublin road during the early hours of Monday morning.

Details of the incident provoked a considerable reaction online, many of whom came out in support of Dr Syed Ali.

In a post on Facebook, Ms Ali referenced a previous article her father conducted with The Leader shortly after last year's Referendum on removing the Eighth Amendment from Ireland's Constitution was passed.

"On behalf of my father, he is strictly against abortion," she wrote.

"This can be proven by his interview he did with (the) Longford Leader shortly after the Referendum. He would never recommend abortion to any women as it even goes against his religious views.

“People should have their facts and English right before going to vandalise property!"

Local Fianna Fáil Cllr Joe Flaherty was equally critical, describing it as an 'outrageous attack'.

He said: “We had a referendum, the legislation is in place, we need to make sure that women can safely access these services.

Also read: Anti-abortion vandals deface Longford GP Clinic

“This mindless attack shows no consideration for the people, young and old, hoping to access GP services this morning.”
Meanwhile, garda chiefs have confirmed an investigation into the incident is now underway as detectives try to identify those responsible.

“Everyone is entitled to protest and everyone has a right to express their opinion but we would discourage that type of protest and we believe this type of protest is not reflective of the feeling in Longford,” said Supt Jim Delaney.

In highlighting Longford’s wide diversity of culture evidenced by its upcoming St Patrick’s Day parade and 33 different nationalities, Supt Delaney urged anyone contemplating similar acts to desist from doing so.

“This is not the norm and we wouldn't like to think this is the norm for Longford,” he said.

“We have spoken to the people down there and I know they are happy with the response from gardaí, local businesses and the community because this type of protest is to be discouraged.

“From our point of view we would like to thank local businesses for their support with the investigation which is progressing and ongoing.”

In particular, gardaí are anxious to speak to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in or around the Teffia Park area of Longford town between 4:30am and 5:30am to contact either the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or Longford Garda Station at (043) 3350570.

Read more: 'This is not the norm in Longford' as gardaí look to make headway in hunt for anti-abortion graffiti artists