Taylor - Park decision will compound the pain experienced by victims of Republican violence

After last nights Newry and Mourne District Council staff and policy committee meeting decision to recommend the retention of the name Raymond McCreesh Park, Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor has expressed his anger, disgust and strong disappointment.

Commenting on the meeting Councillor Taylor said “The decision taken to recommend the retention of Raymond McCreesh Park had once again demonstrated a failure by elected representatives on Newry & Mourne District Council to promote equality to all of their citizens.

“The decision only serves to further compound the pain experienced by victims of Republican violence who had already endured many years of anguish and pain as a consequence of losing their loved ones to the evil actions of Republican terrorism.

“The proposal to proceed with such an insensitive decision will cause further trauma to the Protestant/Unionist community locally who bore the brunt of the despicable actions of the bigots of the Provisional IRA during the darkest periods of "The Troubles".

“Sinn Fein once again showed scant regard for victims in refusing to give consideration to the genuine and heartfelt concerns raised in the many responses furnished to the recent consultation on Raymond McCreesh Park.

“I’m not surprised by the position they took on this issue, but it does serve to highlight once again the continuation of a grubby campaign by Republicans to promote a warped version of history in terms of trying to glorify the sickening violence which was inflicted upon the people of Northern Ireland by terrorists such as McCreesh.

“The SDLP were once again exposed. They were only represented by one member out of nine at the meeting. The absence of so many of their Council grouping demonstrates their abject failure to honour a commitment given by their Party Leader Alasdair McDonnell to support the removal of Raymond McCreesh Park.

“Those representatives who supported the proposal to retain Raymond McCreesh Park should hang their heads in shame and search their consciences as a consequence of proceeding with a decision which justifies terrorist violence.

“I also warn those representatives who believe they have gained a victory as a consequence of this decision taken tonight, that the Ulster Unionist Party will be exploring every legal avenue possible to prevent the name of Raymond McCreesh Park remaining. His name is a symbol of bigotry and hatred.”