Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has described the illegally erected statue of Bobby Sands in West Belfast as a symptom of a much deeper, entrenched problem facing Northern Irish society.

In a statement addressing the recent controversy, Mr. Beattie argued that the region remains unable to move forward because it is "deliberately dragged back" to division by political and media interests. He expressed concern that the proliferation of murals and memorials dedicated to those involved in violence has become an "appalling spectacle" that is now viewed as normal.

Doug Beattie MC MLA stated: "The issue around the illegally erected statue of Bobby Sands is a symptom of the issues that still plague Northern Ireland, not the total sum of the problem. As a society, we have not moved on, and neither can we, because we are deliberately dragged back to the legacy of the Troubles and division on a near daily basis.

"Society can't get away from it because it's become a business for so many who see it as the ability to sell something; to increase readership, viewers, listeners, or voters." Mr. Beattie, who served for three years on the Flags, Identity, Culture, and Traditions (FICT) Commission, highlighted what he sees as a disparity in how the victims of the Troubles are represented compared to those who perpetrated violence.

"The reality that faces Northern Ireland today is clear; we have more memorials, murals, and parades to those who murdered innocent men, women, and children than we do for those innocent men, women, and children who were murdered," he said. "This is not likely to change because no opportunity for change has been created, and nobody is willing to take the first step in coming up with an alternative."

The Justice Spokesperson concluded by suggesting that the current news cycle regarding the Bobby Sands statue would likely pass without leading to substantive reform, citing a lack of will among some sections of society to challenge the status quo.

"Sadly, the overwhelming majority seem to find it easier to conform in silence, so this story will be filed away as it drops out of the news cycle," Mr. Beattie remarked. He warned that until the planning process and the regulation of symbols are addressed fairly, victims will continue to be confronted by memorials dedicated to those who harmed their loved ones.