Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor has strongly condemned the actions of Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard in naming his South Down Constituency Office after two IRA terrorists.
The Ulster Unionist Group Leader on Newry, Mourne & Down District Council said:
“I strongly condemn Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard’s deplorable action in naming his constituency office located in Castlewellan after two prominent IRA terrorists.
“Once again Sinn Fein’s narrow sectarian mind-set has been exposed through this appalling act. Incredibly, they continue to wonder why there is absolutely no trust within the Unionist community as to their bona fides as a political party in terms of delivering a truly shared future for the people of Northern Ireland.
“Time and time again their continued sickening glorification of IRA terrorism only serves to compound the grief and heartache of the many victims of Republican violence in Northern Ireland and this latest action by Chris Hazzard is completely unacceptable.
“The actions of various Sinn Fein representatives in recent months - including the mocking of victims of IRA atrocities and the sight of the Sinn Fein Leadership paying homage to the very terrorists who carried out such horrific acts of violence - are intolerable. For any progress to be achieved in terms of bringing communities together in Northern Ireland, it is very obvious that the glorification of terrorism must desist immediately and Sinn Fein has a clear responsibility in this regard.
“There are obvious questions to be asked also with regard to Chris Hazzard’s responsibilities as a Member of Parliament and the fact he has been elected to serve all the constituents of South Down. This would not be tolerated in Great Britain and it should not be tolerated in Northern Ireland either. Sinn Fein simply don’t get it.
“There can be no doubt that the naming of his constituency office after two IRA terrorists would leave many constituents deeply uncomfortable in using such a facility and if public funds are being utilised to provide this service on Chris Hazzard’s behalf, they must be stopped without any further delay.”