Ulster Unionist Party Leader Robin Swann MLA has said that Sinn Fein have failed the ultimate test by not sacking Barry McElduff.
Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA said:
“The decision by Sinn Fein to suspend Barry McElduff for three months displays staggering and breath-taking contempt for the IRA`s Kingsmills victims and their families. It is absolutely clear that Sinn Fein will put the party before the people and that they are more interested in preserving the kudos and standing of Barry McElduff being an MP than doing the right thing and seeing him resign. He is clearly unfit to hold public office.
“This is a disgusting decision that demonstrates their so called rights, equality and respect agenda is nothing more than hollow rhetoric.
“It clearly shows that the words of Declan Kearney, the Sinn Fein National Chairman, hold no water when he said that the comments and actions of McElduff were offensive and indefensible because Sinn Fein have clearly defended those words by imposing such a lamentable sanction.
“Never again let Sinn Fein lecture anyone on respect, equality, rights or sectarianism in this society. The mask slipped over the weekend and revealed that they are still a nasty party at heart.”