The Deputy Mayor of Newry & Mourne, Councillor David Taylor, has welcomed an acknowledgement by SDLP Leader, Alasdair McDonnell that deep hurt and distress had been caused by his Party's decision to support the retention of the naming of a children's play park in Newry after convicted IRA terrorist Raymond McCreesh.
The Ulster Unionist Councillor said:
“It was abundantly clear at the time the decision was taken that severe damage had been caused to community relations in Newry and Mourne, with the greatest hurt of all being felt by the many families who had lost loved ones at the evil hands of republican terrorism.
“The SDLP Leader's remarks yesterday (Tuesday) will be welcomed by all right thinking people, but I would appeal to Mr McDonnell to match his words with action, and to instruct his Party Representatives in Newry & Mourne to support any forthcoming proposal to reverse the initial decision taken in respect of the naming of the play park.
That would certainly help rebuild bridges and repair some of the damage done by the original decision and that is something which the Ulster Unionist Party is very keen to see.”