Ulster Unionist Councillor David Browne has unreservedly condemned the overnight attack on a First World War memorial in Woodvale Park in Belfast in which paint was thrown and pro IRA slogans daubed.
Councillor Browne said:
“Like all right thinking people I am absolutely horrified and disgusted at the latest attack on the Great War Memorial in Woodvale Park.
“There is something badly wrong with anyone who would seek to desecrate a War Memorial in such a manner. Anyone who has the slightest idea about history knows that tens of thousands of men from right across the island of Ireland enlisted to fight in the First World War, from every community, village, town and city.
“We are preparing to commemorate the Centenary of the sacrifice of the 36th Ulster Division at the Battle of the Somme which commenced on the 1st July 1916, but in doing so we will also pause to remember those who served in the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions in the Great War.
“Whether they were Unionists or Nationalists, members of Carson’s Army or Redmond’s Irish Volunteers, their service and sacrifice was the same and should be remembered by us all. Clearly those responsible for these attacks have no clue about Irish, British or European history and their ignorance is manifested in these attacks on a memorial to the millions who lost their lives in the Great War.
“I urge people to report any suspicious activity to the Police and to help catch those responsible who are simply an embarrassment to any cause or ideology they may claim to represent.”