Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim has condemned comments made by Jude Collins where he appears to say that members of the Boys’ Brigade are comparable to young people taking part in dissident republican paramilitary parades. Mr Beggs who has served as a Boys’ Brigade Officer for 19 years has called for the commentator to apologise and withdraw his remarks.
Roy Beggs MLA said:
“It is deeply offensive for a commentator to compare a church based youth organisation with dissident republicans in masked paramilitary uniform. The BB is involved in charity fundraising, volunteering for the benefit of the community and many young men participate in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, gaining skills that will benefit them and their community.
“How could anyone compare the BB with violent paramilitaries? Dissident republican gang members have recently been involved in murderous activity on both sides of the border. Surely the focus of any right thinking commentator should be on ending paramilitary activity, rather than causing offence to boys, parents and officers belonging to one of the main church based youth organisations in Northern Ireland?
“I call on Jude Collins to withdraw his crass comparison and to apologise for the offence he has caused. Should he fail to do so, I would urge all media outlets to consider how continued use of this commentator reflects on them.”