NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Trevor Ringland, has urged people to have a tolerant and sensitive approach to centenary commemorations, after controversy arose over flags erected to mark the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force, in east Belfast.
“The next few years will see a plethora of centenary commemorations across this island, many of which are politically sensitive”, Trevor observed. “We must work hard to ensure that all these events are marked as tolerantly and sensitively as possible. It is regrettable that there does not appear to have been proper consultation with residents about the erection of UVF flags in east Belfast.”
“It is also important that we put the events which are being celebrated in context. The original UVF was formed as a defensive organisation and it has no links to the group which murdered so many people during the Troubles. There should be no attempt to link the two. Many of the men who fought for the 36th Ulster Division in World War 1 would have positively welcomed attempts to create a shared future.”
“The key to successful and peaceful commemorations is a tolerant and respectful approach, coupled with a frank and honest approach to our own history which ensures that young people are not misled by violent people attempting to lend themselves credibility. It is important that in marking the past we keep our eyes focused on a bright and hopeful future for Northern Ireland.”