11/08/2026
UUP Leader Condemns O'Neill's Attendance At IRA Hunger Strikers Commemoration
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has condemned First Minister Michelle O'Neill for attending a commemoration for IRA hunger strikers, among them Thomas McElwee, whose firebomb attack killed Ballymena mother-of-three Yvonne Dunlop.
Mrs Dunlop, aged 26, died in her family's Ballymena shop on 9 October 1976. McElwee was convicted in relation to her death and later died on hunger strike in 1981.
Jon Burrows said: "This is atrocious conduct from a First Minister who asks to be judged as a First Minister for all. Standing at a commemoration that honours Thomas McElwee is not the conduct of a First Minister for all, and it has inflicted fresh hurt on a family who have already lost everything.
"Yvonne Dunlop was 26 years old. She died in her family's shop in Ballymena, and her children have lived with that loss every day since.
"Emma Sheerin MLA has described Thomas McElwee as 'the best of us'. He was nothing of the kind. A man who burned a young mother to death was one of the worst of us, and no amount of eulogy will change that.
"Looking forward does not mean excusing terrorism, glorifying its perpetrators or disregarding the lifelong suffering of innocent victims and their families.
"Sinn Féin cannot credibly claim to represent everyone while continuing to honour those responsible for murder.
"We should honour the victims, not the victim makers. My thoughts are with the family of Yvonne Dunlop."
Mrs Dunlop, aged 26, died in her family's Ballymena shop on 9 October 1976. McElwee was convicted in relation to her death and later died on hunger strike in 1981.
Jon Burrows said: "This is atrocious conduct from a First Minister who asks to be judged as a First Minister for all. Standing at a commemoration that honours Thomas McElwee is not the conduct of a First Minister for all, and it has inflicted fresh hurt on a family who have already lost everything.
"Emma Sheerin MLA has described Thomas McElwee as 'the best of us'. He was nothing of the kind. A man who burned a young mother to death was one of the worst of us, and no amount of eulogy will change that.
"Looking forward does not mean excusing terrorism, glorifying its perpetrators or disregarding the lifelong suffering of innocent victims and their families.
"Sinn Féin cannot credibly claim to represent everyone while continuing to honour those responsible for murder.
"We should honour the victims, not the victim makers. My thoughts are with the family of Yvonne Dunlop."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 August 2019
Outrage As SF Mayor Praises IRA Killer
A tweet posted by the Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glen's Council in which he appears to eulogise an IRA killer has sparked outrage from the unionist community. Councillor Sean Bateson praised the convicted murderer and hunger striker Thomas McElwee on the 38th anniversary of his death. He posted: "Oh gallant South Derry you are forever blessed.
Outrage As SF Mayor Praises IRA Killer
A tweet posted by the Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glen's Council in which he appears to eulogise an IRA killer has sparked outrage from the unionist community. Councillor Sean Bateson praised the convicted murderer and hunger striker Thomas McElwee on the 38th anniversary of his death. He posted: "Oh gallant South Derry you are forever blessed.
07 June 2016
Three Arrested In Connection With Heroin Supply
Three people have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of heroin. A man, aged 37, and a woman, aged 33, were arrested at a property in the Upper Malone area on Tuesday, 07 June. A 23-year-old man was detained in north Belfast.
Three Arrested In Connection With Heroin Supply
Three people have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of heroin. A man, aged 37, and a woman, aged 33, were arrested at a property in the Upper Malone area on Tuesday, 07 June. A 23-year-old man was detained in north Belfast.
16 December 2015
Man Arrested Over Supply Of 'Skunk' Cannabis
A 20-year-old man has been arrested in Birmingham as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of 'skunk' cannabis. The suspect is being brought to Northern Ireland for questioning. Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop, said: "To date, we have arrested 18 people, 12 of whom have been charged.
Man Arrested Over Supply Of 'Skunk' Cannabis
A 20-year-old man has been arrested in Birmingham as part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of 'skunk' cannabis. The suspect is being brought to Northern Ireland for questioning. Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop, said: "To date, we have arrested 18 people, 12 of whom have been charged.
08 December 2015
Man Arrested After Police Seize 15,000 Diazepam Tablets In Co Antrim
A 32-year-old man has been arrested after police seized 15,000 diazepam tablets during a house search in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. The man is being detained at Musgrave Police Station. He has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a class C controlled drug with intent to supply.
Man Arrested After Police Seize 15,000 Diazepam Tablets In Co Antrim
A 32-year-old man has been arrested after police seized 15,000 diazepam tablets during a house search in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. The man is being detained at Musgrave Police Station. He has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a class C controlled drug with intent to supply.
22 October 2015
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Supplying Heroin
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of supplying heroin and diazepam in Belfast City Centre. The 31-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday afternoon. He is being detained at Musgrave Police Station. Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop said: "We have recovered a sizeable amount of heroin today and prevented potential harm to many people.
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Supplying Heroin
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of supplying heroin and diazepam in Belfast City Centre. The 31-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday afternoon. He is being detained at Musgrave Police Station. Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop said: "We have recovered a sizeable amount of heroin today and prevented potential harm to many people.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be mostly dry with some hazy sunny spells. Cloudier around the middle of the day with the odd light shower. Breezy along the coast. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Staying mainly dry this evening before showery outbreaks of rain push in from the south overnight. The odd heavy burst possible and remaining breezy around the coast. Minimum temperature 14 °C.