Tom Elliott MLA has called on Sinn Fein to stop looking over their shoulders at dissident republicans and show compassion to the families of those murdered by the IRA in Derrylin.
The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA said:
“A call by Pat Sheehan on Sinn Fein’s website for a ‘mass mobilisation’ for a hunger strike commemoration in Derrylin demonstrates a total lack of leadership by Sinn Fein. At a time when Unionists are trying to calm tensions around parading, Sinn Fein seems intent on escalating them by calling people out on to the streets. This demonstrates the lack of respect from Sinn Fein for innocent victims.
“They are totally lacking in any compassion for the families of those who were murdered by the IRA, especially the family of Jimmy Graham who was shot dead at the Primary School in the village. Such vulgar triumphalism is like walking over the graves of the dead.
“In contrast, the families of the IRA victims affected have made clear that they do not want a street protest against the parade and have appealed for their wishes to be respected. Instead the families will remain dignified in remembering and honouring their loved ones this Sunday and every other day of the year. That`s leadership.
“I took the opportunity to raise this with the Secretary of State this morning and emphasised the difference between the rallying call of Sinn Fein`s Pat Sheehan and the dignified approach by innocent victims.
“Sinn Fein needs to stop looking over their shoulders at dissident republicans and consider the impact of this parade in Derrylin on community relations in Fermanagh & South Tyrone.”