Statement by Fermanagh and South Tyrone Assembly candidate Alex Elliot:

“News that Sinn Fein/IRA’s ghoulish plan to hold an event celebrating the life of convicted Republican terrorist Bobby Sands on the site of the Enniskillen bomb will now not go ahead will be welcomed by all right thinking people.

“It is, however, noteworthy that the event was not moved because Republicans suddenly realized how offensive their actions were. Indeed, Sinn Fein/IRA were due to have a representative on Good Morning Ulster this morning defending the decision to have the event on the site of the bomb.

“According to Sinn Fein/IRA the event was moved “due to restraints on the nature of the funding the Clinton Centre receives from Europe”.

“This is a welcome development but no one should be under any illusion that Sinn Fein/IRA moved the venue willingly.

“I would commend Stephen Gault for leading the charge on this issue and taking a courageous stand against those who were set on desecrating the memory of his father and other victims.”