Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA, has initiated the process of bringing a Private Members Bill to the Assembly to ban the naming of publicly funded property after convicted terrorists.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said:

“This is a Bill to make provision for the banning of naming publicly funded property after convicted terrorists. My decision to pursue this comes in light of a number of recent unacceptable actions, including the renaming of a Play Park in Newry’s Patrick Street as the Raymond McCreesh Park, which has resulted in nothing further than a glorification of criminal activity and a deterioration in community relations.’

“We need to create a more appropriate legal framework to ensure that this cannot be allowed to continue. The concerns of many victims as well as the wider community are clear and the current protests which are on-going across Northern Ireland are an indication of the strength of feeling from some quarters on issues such as this.’

“I believe the proposals I will be bringing forward would have the effect of improving community relations as well as increasing the sensitivity which is shown to victims and survivors of terrorism who are too often neglected.’

“The Northern Ireland community has suffered much at the hands of terrorists during the last generation without having the glorification of those people imposed on our society, particularly to their victims.'

“The desirability of good relations is a key component of the Northern Ireland Act and we must ensure that it is upheld by all. No Council or political Party should use a majority to force through changes which antagonise or disproportionately affect any section of the community.’

“This is a clear example of the leadership which the Ulster Unionist Party is offering as we seek to create a shared future for all in Northern Ireland and bring an end to the current tensions which are clearly evident within some of our communities.’