Local Ulster Unionist representatives, Danny Kennedy MLA and Cllr David Taylor, have welcomed the decision by the NI Equality Commission to refer the naming of the Patrick Street play park decision back to Newry, Mourne & Down District Council. In a joint statement they said it represented "a significant u turn by the Commission, which although belated, was still welcome".
Mr Kennedy said:
"The Ulster Unionist Party at all levels has consistently opposed the naming of this children's play park after the convicted terrorist Raymond McCreesh and we have long campaigned and sought to have that decision overturned".
"We look forward to the Council overturning and changing for good the disgraceful and offensive decision taken originally by NMDC and we are confident that there is a clear potential majority on the current Council to make that change if the political will is there."
Cllr David Taylor, the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party grouping on the Council, said: