McClean's Poppy Stance 'Dignified' - McGuinness

Martin McGuinness has described Wigan and Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean's open letter explaining his decision not to wear a poppy as "thoughtful, respectful & dignified".

The deputy First Minister made the comments following a letter by the L'Derry-born footballer that explained why he would not wear a strip featuring a red poppy during Wigan's match against Bolton on Friday night.

The letter was addressed to Wigan chairman Dave Whelan. It said: "For people from the North of Ireland such as myself, and specifically those in Derry, scene of the 1972 Bloody Sunday massacre, the poppy has come to mean something very different.

"Please understand, Mr Whelan, when you come from Creggan like myself or the Bogside, Brandywell or the majority of places in Derry, every person still lives in the shadow of one of the darkest days in Ireland's history - even if, like me, you were born nearly 20 years after the event.

"Mr Whelan, for me to wear a poppy would be as much a gesture of disrespect for the innocent people who lost their lives in the Troubles - and Bloody Sunday especially - as I have in the past been accused of disrespecting the victims of WWI and WWII.

"I am not a war monger, or anti-British, or a terrorist or any of the accusations levelled at me in the past. I am a peaceful guy, I believe everyone should live side by side, whatever their religious or political beliefs which I respect and ask for people to respect mine in return. Since last year I am a father and I want my daughter to grow up in a peaceful world, like any parent."

The footballer received both positive and negative comments on social media following the decision.

SDLP Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey said: "Good people from Ireland, Britain and across the world gave their lives in conflict which devastated countries and communities globally. Their sacrifice should be remembered.

"It is wrong, however, for anyone to dictate to any individual how they should pay their respects to the war dead. For some it can be a public display, for others it’s an extremely private act. It is not for me or anyone else to judge. We must all show respect for the rights and views of others. That’s what those who gave their lives fought for.

"The aggressive and sustained attack that James McClean has been subjected to is disgraceful. He has explained his reasons for not wearing a poppy, many of which will resonate strongly with the people of Derry.

"I support his decision, just as I would have supported his decision had he chosen to wear a poppy. Respect for all political traditions is the basis of lasting peace in the North. That should be the approach of everyone to acts of remembrance."

(IT/MH)