Ulster Unionist Party MLA for Newry and Armagh Danny Kennedy, has expressed his disgust at an act of vandalism on a memorial erected for an off duty soldier murdered by IRA terrorists in South Armagh in 1975.
Mr Kennedy said:
“This act of wanton vandalism is another disgraceful attack against innocent victims of terrorism in South Armagh. It is very upsetting for Mr Harry Bell MBE , the only surviving family member and brother of Johnny Bell, who was shot and murdered driving home from his place of work by the IRA on 6 November 1975.
“It seems that 40 years later, there is an element of society which cannot bear to be reminded of the murderous past of republicans in this part of Northern Ireland. They will not succeed. The memorial to Ulster Defence Regiment L/Corporal David John Bell will be repaired. We will remember with gratitude brave men like Johnny Bell, and the sacrifice they made to keep the entire community safe and free.”