Tom Elliott, Ulster Unionist representative for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, has said that more needs to be done to hasten the removal of an illegal monument erected in Newtownbutler in memory of IRA terrorists.

 

In a statement, Mr Elliott said: “When this monument was first erected in September, I called upon the Housing Executive, who owns the land it is built upon, to have it removed as soon as possible. I recently made inquires regarding what progress had been made, only to be informed that discussions were still ongoing between the Department of Social Development, the Department of Environment and local groups. So realistically, here we are now almost three months further on from when this highly offensive monument appeared and little or no progress has been made concerning its removal.”

 

“Understandably, many local people, including a number who lost family members and friends in IRA murders, are rightly outraged that they still have to drive past this eyesore when it is completely illegal and should have been removed long ago. This is why I am reiterating my call for it to be removed as soon as possible, and trust that Minister Ritchie and Minister Poots will hasten to bring matters to a satisfactory conclusion. The longer this matter drags on the more hurtful it becomes for local people and the more shame it brings on those charged with ensuring its removal.”

 

“The glorification of terrorism is not acceptable in any form, and the sooner this monument is gone the better.”