Write a commentA new council road sign welcoming people to the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area has been daubed with paint, covering over the Irish language element of it. It is one of a series of new signs erected in the area in this past week.
Commenting on the vandalism Gillian Fitzpatrick, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said "This juvenile act will disappoint not only the Nationalist community here but also members of the Unionist community who know that there is no place for bigotry and sectarianism in our society.
"I was appalled when I came across this vandalism today because not only is it a personal affront, but it also is a false representation to visitors of this beautiful part of the north. The tourism industry here belongs to all communities and so the consequence of this malicious act is felt by each of us. We want to encourage visitors to travel here and have an enjoyable, peaceful experience - not one marred by ignorance and hatred.
There is no place for that here and as chair of the council I am confident every party will support that. Much good work has been done by the council to bring people together and this will not derail that."
