Sinn Fein to hold ‘Day of Reflection’ memorials

Sinn Fein have confirmed they plan to hold a ‘Day of Reflection’ aimed at promoting reconciliation and equality in the west Tyrone area next month.

Tree planting ceremonies will be held at council offices in Omagh and Strabane on December 10, and in a statement the party said the commemorations were "a genuine effort to acknowledge the loss of all those from the West Tyrone area who have died as a result of war and conflict".

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said the day was about “facing up to the challenge of building peace and engagement between people of different faiths and traditions”.

However, DUP MP for East Londonderry, Gregory Campbell described the plans as “nothing more than a Sinn Fein/IRA orchestrated campaign to ensure that dead terrorists are remembered on the same level as those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom and those murdered by the IRA over the last thirty years”.

“Anyone pondering whether to attend such a Sinn Fein event needs to answer the question why are those who planted bombs and shot innocent people being remembered in the same way as innocent victims,” Mr Campbell said. “Once again Sinn Fein/IRA is busy diverting attention from the fact that they cannot bring themselves to remember those who have paid the supreme sacrifice for freedom and democracy, instead preferring to glorify a campaign of terror.”

(MB)