An Ulster Unionist Party motion in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council was successfully passed last Tuesday night calling for a review of council policy to ensure that the Council neither provided facilities or funding to events which glorify terrorism such as that at the West Armagh Community Festival where a Women`s Gaelic football tournament was named after a dead IRA terrorist. It was proposed by Alderman Jim Speers MBE and seconded by Councillor Glenn Barr.

Ulster Unionist ABC Council Group leader Jim Speers said:

“The situation which occurred where ABC Council facilities were used to host an event named after a dead IRA terrorist as part of the West Armagh Community Festival must never be repeated. It is not acceptable as part of this or any other festival and it goes against everything that council stands for.

“It was an affront to the law abiding majority who opposed terrorism whether that be from republican or loyalist terrorists and caused damage to community relations. Our motion was designed to put this firmly on the council agenda so that this doesn`t happen again and I`m glad that it received support from other parties so that it passed through council. I expect to see Council officers take firm action to avoid a repeat of this in the future.”

Councillor Glenn Barr said:

“Sinn Fein`s ‘respect’ agenda has been exposed for the sham that it is. It is shameful that they voted against this motion. How in the year 2018, they think that glorifying terrorism and causing more pain to innocent victims of the IRA helps build community relations is beyond me. We should be looking to bring people together, not be associated in any shape or form with events which cause hurt to those who suffered at the hands of the IRA or any other terrorist organisation.

“We want to create a society where respect actually has meaning and I would appeal to them again, that if they have any feelings for the sensitivities of IRA victims, that they turn away from such actions in the future.”

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Ulster Unionist ABC Council motion:

“That this Council commits to the provision of a review of its policies to ensure that Council will not fund through financial assistance or host any event which seeks to glorify terrorism. 

Such events do not help build a shared future where tolerance, respect and understanding are common place. 

We would ask that this matter be referred to the relevant council officer for action and the preparation of a report for consideration by the appropriate committee”.