Michelle O'Neill responds to 'traitors' banner after Remembrance Sunday event

6 months ago 301

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has responded after a banner accusing Sinn Féin of being "traitors" was erected at her office in Co Tyrone, after she attended a Remembrance Sunday event.

She became the first senior Sinn Féin figure to take part in such an event on Sunday when she laid a laurel wreath at the Cenotaph in Belfast.

A banner accusing her party of being "traitors" was stuck to the shutters of the office she shares with Mid Ulster MP Cathal Mallaghan in Cookstown.

Read more: Remembrance Sunday: First Minister Michelle O'Neill lays wreath in Belfast for first time

Read more: Sinn Féin Chairman backs Michelle O'Neill amid Remembrance Day controversy

The First Minister said it was "difficult" to see criticism of her decision to attend the official Remembrance event on Sunday, but insisted she remains committed to being a "First Minister for all".

"I understand some people - particularly republicans - have difficulties with me attending, they're entitled to express their views, however I have a role to play," she said when asked about the poster.

A message on the wreath laid by Michelle O'Neill on Sunday read: "As First Minister, I wish to take our society beyond old limits, to build bridges and to a shared future together.

"Today I remember all lives lost in the horror of war and conflict – past and present."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill lays a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in Belfast

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill lays a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in Belfast

In an earlier statement about her decision to take part in the ceremony, the First Minister had said: "I am committed to representing everyone equally. Through my words and actions, I will honour that commitment. We each have our own identity, experiences, and perspectives. As an Irish republican who believes in a united Ireland, I have my own perspective also.

"As we move towards a better future I am committed as First Minister to moving beyond old limits and building bridges."

She added: "It is through understanding and respect for our differences that we can build a stronger, respectful, and united society. I will never shy away from my responsibility to take decisions – no matter how personally challenging – that will help build a new Ireland, defined by inclusion and respect for all traditions."

A range of other events to pay tribute to the war dead took place across Northern Ireland on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Irish President Michael D Higgins laid a wreath in remembrance of all those who have died in war as he attended the National Service of Remembrance at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald also attended the Dublin service.

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Source: www.belfastlive.co.uk
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