The Five Demands

DUP councillor sorry for ‘massacre’ post (UTV)

Belfast DUP councillor Ruth Patterson has apologised for a post made on Facebook appearing to support a fake news report of a loyalist massacre at a planned republican event in Castlederg.

A web page, which has since been removed, imagined a scenario in which loyalist paramilitaries would attack the Tyrone IRA Volunteers Commemoration on Sunday August 11.

It detailed how they could use machine guns, rocket launchers and grenades, before listing leading Sinn Féin politicians among the ‘fatalities’.

Former city deputy mayor Ruth Patterson added a comment which read: “We would have done a great service to Northern Ireland and the world getting rid of these evil, devious, scum like individuals.”

My ill-judged comment is completely incompatible with the policies of the Democratic Unionist Party and what is expected of me as an elected representative.
Ruth Patterson, DUP

In a subsequent statement, Ms Patterson said: “I unreservedly apologise for this lapse of judgement.

“I completely withdraw this flawed Facebook comment. Murder and terrorism can never be justified in any circumstances. To descend to such a level would be to repeat the actions of those we stood against during the dark days of Northern Ireland’s Troubles.”

Sinn Féin party president Gerry Adams and deputy First minister Martin McGuinness were included in the fake report of ‘fatalities’.

MLA Barry McElduff, who was also named, said he was shocked by Ms Patterson’s post.

“This type of talk is totally irresponsible and highly dangerous,” he said.

“Is Ruth Patterson advocating a Michael Stone style attack on a peaceful parade? It certainly appears so and we need to hear from the DUP as to whether they support this opinion.”

As has been shown in the past, comments made by political representatives and others can not only inflame a situation but actually motivate people to act on their words.

Barry McElduff, Sinn Féin
The DUP has issued a statement distancing itself from the remarks.

“Ruth’s comment was completely unacceptable and not in keeping with the party’s policies or the standard of behaviour required of our members,” it said.

“Whilst the officers of the party will clearly be looking at this issue, they will take account of her subsequent statement.”

The event in Castlederg is an annual commemoration which is this year being held on the 40th anniversary of the deaths of two IRA men from the town, Seamus Harvey and Gerard McGlynn, who died in 1973 when the car bomb they were transporting detonated early.

Unionist politicians have spoken out against the parade being held in Castlederg.

It has since been rerouted away from the cenotaph.