Ulster Unionist Party Leader Robin Swann MLA has condemned the actions of Sinn Fein’s Mary Lou McDonald for posing with a banner proclaiming “England get out of Ireland” at a St Patrick’s Day parade in New York.

Robin Swann MLA said:

“Once again Mary Lou McDonald as President of Sinn Fein, has shown them up for what they are really all about, as she posed behind a banner which was highly offensive and wrong on so many levels. It demonstrated that bigotry and hypocrisy were alive and well within their version of republicanism.

“It is clear that when Sinn Fein talk about respect, honesty and integrity, that they are as sincere as Gerry Adams using equality as a Trojan Horse to attack unionists. Their words about rights are only a veneer to hide their true intention.

“Personally I don’t believe they mean a single word when they talk about rights for unionists. Their unionist engagement has fallen flat on its face because they just can’t help themselves.

“Mary Lou McDonald and her cohorts in Sinn Fein should be clear that neither I nor anyone like me will be leaving Northern Ireland despite the mealy mouthed words from Sinn Fein.

“I could go through the ritual of calling on Mary Lou McDonald and Sinn Fein to apologise but to be honest what’s the point? They never change. Sinn Fein is a narrow minded party still guided by the shadowy figures from our dark past.

“It is sad that whilst others celebrate St Patrick in a respectful and non-confrontational manner, Sinn Fein return to type.

"For instance, Omagh Protestant Boys Melody Flute Band took part in the Sgt William Jasper Memorial parade in Savannah, Georgia, organised by the US military and including bands from the US Army and US Marine Corps.

"The band was warmly received and awarded the Joseph Ramsey Cup for the best band in parade. A real honour for the band and Northern Ireland!”