Mid-Ulster Ulster Unionist MLA Sandra Overend has called on Sinn Fein representatives to show leadership in the Bellaghy area, and demonstrate some consideration towards the unionist population of the village, ahead of a memorial event for IRA hunger striker Thomas McElwee which is to be held on Sunday.
Mrs Overend said:
“I have been contacted by constituents in Bellaghy expressing concern at the display of posters advertising a memorial event for IRA hunger striker Thomas McElwee. These posters are prominently displayed in the village but unionists feel particularly aggrieved at their position at the entrance to the Presbyterian Manse and now beside both the Church of Ireland and Presbyterian Churches. At best this shows a lack of consideration towards the unionist population of Bellaghy, at worst it could be considered intimidatory.
“I note that the event is to be addressed by deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. I would therefore call on Sinn Fein to show leadership on this occasion, and take action to remove these posters as soon as possible.
“I know for a fact that there are people from Bellaghy and surrounding areas who are keen to carry out and promote cross community work in the village, but these genuine efforts are undermined by the actions of a section of the nationalist community that appears to have no regard for the feelings of their unionist neighbours.”