Menu
23/09/2013
Controversial UVF Mural Completed
A new paramilitary mural has been completed in east Belfast, despite a public outcry.
The mural, which is located at Inverwood Court, Sydenham, depicts a masked gunman and it dedicated to the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), which murdered more than 500 people during the Troubles. It replaced a mural of the Belfast-born footballer George Best.
Earlier this month, work was stopped on the mural due to objections, but it has now been revealed that it has been completed.
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said the completion of the mural only succeeds in glorifying violence.
He said: "The completion of this mural casts a sinister shadow over everything that is positive in East Belfast.
"It is unacceptable that an image which once depicted the world-class talent of George Best has now been replaced by a paramilitary gunman.
"Political representatives have rightly condemned the glorification of terrorism in recent weeks, and must be united and clear in the rejection of all murals of this kind – if we are to build a safe and inclusive society for everyone in Northern Ireland.
"There is much to learn from the peaceful activism of Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr, who dedicated his life to non-violence and integration, but the placement of this quote alongside a masked gunman is perverse beyond belief.
"This mural is anti-civil rights and anti-East Belfast and should be replaced immediately."
The George Best mural was erected in 2010 with the help of £1,500 in public funds.
The money was allocated by Belfast City Council as part of its PEACE III project, 'Tackling the Physical Manifestations of Sectarianism'.
Earlier this month, the council said it had been "unaware of any plans" to replace the football mural.
(JP/CD)
The mural, which is located at Inverwood Court, Sydenham, depicts a masked gunman and it dedicated to the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), which murdered more than 500 people during the Troubles. It replaced a mural of the Belfast-born footballer George Best.
Earlier this month, work was stopped on the mural due to objections, but it has now been revealed that it has been completed.
Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said the completion of the mural only succeeds in glorifying violence.
He said: "The completion of this mural casts a sinister shadow over everything that is positive in East Belfast.
"It is unacceptable that an image which once depicted the world-class talent of George Best has now been replaced by a paramilitary gunman.
"Political representatives have rightly condemned the glorification of terrorism in recent weeks, and must be united and clear in the rejection of all murals of this kind – if we are to build a safe and inclusive society for everyone in Northern Ireland.
"There is much to learn from the peaceful activism of Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr, who dedicated his life to non-violence and integration, but the placement of this quote alongside a masked gunman is perverse beyond belief.
"This mural is anti-civil rights and anti-East Belfast and should be replaced immediately."
The George Best mural was erected in 2010 with the help of £1,500 in public funds.
The money was allocated by Belfast City Council as part of its PEACE III project, 'Tackling the Physical Manifestations of Sectarianism'.
Earlier this month, the council said it had been "unaware of any plans" to replace the football mural.
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 March 2008
Controversial Mural To Be Replaced
A notorious UDA mural in Belfast is to be replaced after years of negotiation. The south Belfast mural, depicting a terrifying skeletal soldier and the grim reaper, will be replaced by an image of King William of Orange.
Controversial Mural To Be Replaced
A notorious UDA mural in Belfast is to be replaced after years of negotiation. The south Belfast mural, depicting a terrifying skeletal soldier and the grim reaper, will be replaced by an image of King William of Orange.
04 September 2013
UVF Mural Painted Over George Best Image
Alliance Belfast Councillor Andrew Webb has said that the painting of a UVF mural over an image of George Best is a backwards step. Belfast City Council contributed public money towards the George Best mural at Inverwood Court in East Belfast three years ago.
UVF Mural Painted Over George Best Image
Alliance Belfast Councillor Andrew Webb has said that the painting of a UVF mural over an image of George Best is a backwards step. Belfast City Council contributed public money towards the George Best mural at Inverwood Court in East Belfast three years ago.
04 July 2014
West Belfast Mural Condemned
A paramilitary mural in west Belfast that shows gunmen firing shots over a coffin draped in an Irish tricolour has been condemned. The image has appeared at Slemish Way off the Andersonstown Road.
West Belfast Mural Condemned
A paramilitary mural in west Belfast that shows gunmen firing shots over a coffin draped in an Irish tricolour has been condemned. The image has appeared at Slemish Way off the Andersonstown Road.
20 June 2008
MP Unveils CS Lewis Mural
In the week that an expected blockbuster movie, based on the fantasy novels by Belfast-born writer, CS Lewis, premiered in London, NI First Minister Peter Robinson has unveiled a mural commemorating the author.
MP Unveils CS Lewis Mural
In the week that an expected blockbuster movie, based on the fantasy novels by Belfast-born writer, CS Lewis, premiered in London, NI First Minister Peter Robinson has unveiled a mural commemorating the author.
21 December 2022
West Belfast Communities Create Peace Wall Mural
Communities in west Belfast have come together to create a special artwork on the black gates at Kells Avenue as part of Belfast City Council's PEACE IV Transform for Change project. The project was part of the £14.
West Belfast Communities Create Peace Wall Mural
Communities in west Belfast have come together to create a special artwork on the black gates at Kells Avenue as part of Belfast City Council's PEACE IV Transform for Change project. The project was part of the £14.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
