McGuinness "no business" at Easter parade: RSF

Published 16 Apr 2009 09:00 0 Comments

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Republican Sinn Fein have said Martin McGuinness has 'no business' in attending an Easter Sunday commemoration event in Rosslea following his recent remarks made towards dissident republicans.

Press officer Richard Walsh has also claimed that support for the dissident republican organisation in Fermanagh is increasing and will continue to grow as time goes on.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness is to be the guest speaker at Sinn Fein"s main Easter Sunday commemoration event at Rosslea Martyrs Memorial at 2.30pm.

A celtic cross monument stands at Rosslea at the burial ground of four IRA volunteers.

But Mr Walsh said Mr McGuinness, a former IRA commander, 'has no right to be there and it is hypocritical to offer support to the Republican dead when he is criminalising those who are working at present to continue on with the struggle. He has no business at their graves.'

Republican Sinn Fein are said to be the political wing of dissident republicans and are aligned to the Continuity IRA, who carried out last month"s shooting of PC Constable Stephen Carroll in Craigavon following the fatal shootings of two soldiers at Mazareene Barracks two days previously.

Mr McGuinness, a former IRA commander, aggravated dissidents when he described the killers of the three victims as 'traitors to the island of Ireland' as he stood beside DUP First Minister Peter Robinson and Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde at a press conference after the shootings.

Republican Sinn Fein are to hold a separate commemoration event a the Rosslea memorial on Easter Monday at 2pm.

However, the April edition of the organisation"s 'Saoirse' newspaper published that their event was to due be held on Easter Sunday around the same time of Sinn Fein"s planned ceremony.

The PSNI were also said to be aware of this potential clash but Mr Walshe confirmed it was a 'publishing error'.

Hundreds of supporters are expected to turnout out to honour the Republican dead at their grave sides on the 93rd anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising with marches and wreath laying ceremonies taking place in Newtownbutler and Donagh on Easter Sunday morning.

Sinn Fein Fermanagh/South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew has encouraged all republicans to attend the various commemorations across the county and the main event at Rosslea. 'It is a time for remembering our friends and colleagues who have given their lives in pursuit of our republican ideals and goals. It is a time for reflecting on these ideals,' she said,

Asked whether the PSNI will also be taking extra security measures in response to the Deputy First Minister visit on Easter Sunday a PSNI spokesman said, 'While we never comment on matters relating to the security of any individuals, or specific operational matters, all events are subject to meticulous planning and will be policed appropriately.'

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 16 Apr 09

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