The controversy over a video which appears to show young people singing pro-IRA chants has raised questions about the funding for the Ulster Fleadh.

The Ulster Fleadh was held in Dromore, Co. Tyrone last weekend and Ulster Unionist MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Tom Elliott has called into question the funding it receives from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council following the emergence of the video.

Several other videos are also reported to be in circulation. 

The MLA said: "This display of glorification of terrorism is absolutely disgraceful and disgusting. Every single person in that video should hold their heads in shame. The most concerning bit is the fact that the majority witnessed is of an age where they didn't have to fear the bombs and bullets of the cowardly IRA. Victims of terrorism deserve better from the next generation," Mr. Elliott said. 

"The Ulster Fleadh is portrayed as a 'family friendly event where all our welcome', after the scenes in that video I'd certainly beg to differ. Is this really what public funding is allowing, blatant acts of sectarism and glorification of Terrorism. I along with party colleagues will be raising this with Council and other funders to establish the circumstances in relation to funding.  

“This action should be condemned by all, I look forward to the organiser of the Fleadh and all political representatives condemn this activity, as well as the reaction from those who are witnessed in this and any other vide that may emerg.

"At this time my thoughts will be with the families and friends of those who lost loved ones to cowardly terrorists," Mr. Elliott concluded.

 

DUP MLA for West Tyrone, Tom Buchanan said the chanting was unacceptable and should be "condemned by all political representatives".

"There can be no place for behaviour such as this, and it is particularly sad that most of those shown in the video are unlikely to be old enough to even remember the Troubles or the impact of IRA terrorism," said Mr. Buchanan.

"Such hatred and intolerance must be challenged from wherever it arises. Unionist representatives have challenged and condemned unacceptable behaviour in recent weeks. There is a duty now on nationalist and republican representatives to properly challenge sectarianism and intolerance when it is on display at an event such as this.

"My colleague Deborah Erskine has written to the organisers of the Ulster Fleadh to confirm whether this took place at any organised part Fleadh, and similarly Fermanagh & Omagh District Council to confirm whether any Council funding went to the event in question. 

"Such chanting has been witnessed before at certain events and it cannot be normalised or justified. We await to see if there will be any leadership displayed from within republicanism to condemn this behaviour."