West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin criticise SDLP support for British Army plaques

Published: 3 March, 2010

West Belfast Sinn Féin councillor Maire Cush has criticised the SDLP after the party voted in favour of erecting dozens of British Army plaques in Belfast City Hall.

Councillor Cush said:

"The SDLP voted, at the March full council meeting held on Monday 1st March, to re-erect dozens of British Army regiment plaques on the walls of Belfast City Hall.

"I believe the SDLP has made the wrong decision by voting in favour of this measure. They have damaged efforts to achieve equality for all in Belfast City Hall and they have done a great disservice to their voters and the nationalist people of Belfast.

" Two UDR battalions are among the British Army regiments whose plaques the SDLP have voted in favour of erecting at City Hall.

"The experience of the nationalist community in Belfast at the hands of the British Army is one of oppression, torture, collusion and murder.

"There is no heroism in the British army's involvement in our country. There is only death and hurt and loss.

"The SDLP's actions in this regard are insensitive and insulting to the families of British Army murder victims and are a let down to Belfast nationalists who will be angered at the SDLP's conduct on this matter."