Unionist politician hits out at tribute to IRA bomber as ‘glorification of terrorism’

Unionist politician hits out at tribute to IRA bomber as ‘glorification of terrorism’

2 February 2022

A LOCAL Ulster Unionist politician has criticised a commemoration held at the weekend for an IRA bomber who tried to blow up Castlewellan police station.

Peter McNulty (47) was killed in a premature bomb explosion during the attack on January 26, 1972.

Cllr Alan Lewis described the commemoration held at a cemetery in Bryansford as a “further insult to victims of IRA violence”. 

He said he was shocked, but not surprised, and accused Sinn Fein of seeming to “get away with open glorification of terrorism”.

He continued: “In fact, it has now just regrettably become an unchallenged part of Northern Ireland politics. On Sunday morning while most of us sat within our places of worship, republicans gathered to celebrate someone who attempted to create murder and mayhem.”

“McNulty blew himself up while attempting to bomb Castlewellan police station. It is sickening to see elected representatives attend a memorial in his honour.

“The double speak of Republicans who call for equality, rights and respect while also eulogising terrorists who brought devastation to our community is duplicitous and a dismissive two fingers up to modern policing which we are told they now support.”

Cllr Lewis also criticised Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazard for naming his constituency office in Castlewellan after Mr McNulty and another IRA terrorist, Peter Magorrian (21), who was shot dead by the British Army in the town in 1974.

“I am conscious that it has been in the news many occasions. However, for the people of South Down, especially the innocent victims, this issue hasn’t gone away,” he continued.

“The signage stands as an ever-present insult to the memory of their loved ones and a glorification of terrorists who bombed, shot and maimed their way around this constituency.”

Cllr Lewis added that the commemoration was a “painful reminder that Sinn Fein stand prepared to not only glorify terrorism, but insult and further distress innocent victims who want to see this type of activity left firmly in the past.”

A Sinn Fein spokesman said: “Under the Good Friday Agreement, everyone, including Irish republicans, have the right to remember their dead with dignity and respect.”