Ardoyne Mural Condemned

A new mural in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast that depicts an IRA gunman aiming a rifle has been condemned.

The image depicts former Sinn Féin councillor Martin Meehan wearing a beret and aiming a rifle, set against the backdrop of the Proclamation of the Republic that was unveiled at the beginning of the 1916 Easter Rising.

The image was unveiled on Ardoyne Avenue as part of a commemoration of Martin Meehan.

Alliance North Belfast spokesperson Councillor John Blair said: "I am disappointed to see a banner like this erected in the Ardoyne area. This move is not representative of the local community, which does not want to see the image of a paramilitary gunman displayed on their doorsteps.

"Alliance is against any murals or banners that demarcate territory and glorify violence of any kind. They have no place in a safe and shared community. We must find ways to separate the negative aspects of the past from respectful commemoration.

"It is difficult to see how the depiction of gunmen can inspire people to play a constructive role in the community and it memorialises the darkest parts of our past rather than the change people have made or the more positive aspects of our heritage.

"I would urge those behind this banner to remove it immediately."

Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark Cosgrove said: "Following the disgusting plaque erected recently to remember and glorify the Shankill Bomber Thomas Begley, we now have another Provo who brought death and destruction depicted on a mural firing a weapon in full paramilitary garb.

"People from right across the political spectrum and the wider community in East Belfast recently voiced their strong disapproval of a UVF mural that was painted over one depicting one of our favourite sporting sons, George Best. I look forward to the leadership of the Republican community coming out to publically condemn this affront to decency.

"This is another sinister development designed to threaten the community and the authorities and is a blatant attempt to stake out sectarian ground.

"When I see things like this it makes me even more determined to help build a Northern Ireland that is at peace with itself and to defeat the evils of sectarianism in all its forms."

(IT/CD)