Sinn Fein has spoken on behalf of its new Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) chairperson over a controversial ‘South Armagh Volunteers’ commemoration this weekend
North Belfast MP John Finucane has been billed as the main speaker at the Mullaghbawn event on Sunday (June 11).
Mr Finucane’s father, solicitor Pat Finucane, was shot dead by loyalist gunmen at his home in Belfast in 1989.
The South Armagh Volunteers commemoration is regarded by some unionists as “glorifying events” of the IRA during the Troubles.
The event has been taking place for over 10 years.
The Local Democracy Service asked Sinn Fein if its new NMDDC chairperson, Valerie Harte could respond to the attendance of Mr Finucane at the event in her council district area.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “Everyone has the right to remember their dead with dignity and respect.
“We will continue to stand with families who have lost loved ones in the conflict.”
