TUV Party Chairman Ivor McConnell has responded on behalf on his party to a proposal to name a play park in Newry after convicted terrorist and hunger striker Raymond McCreesh.

Commenting Mr McConnell said:

"The naming of a publicly owed amenity after a person whose only claim to fame is his involvement in an organisation which carried out numerous terrorist murders in the Newry and Mourne area is appalling.

"It is particularly outrageous that Newry and Mourne Council should consider naming a children’s play area after an individual with such links. It is akin to a Council in Germany suggesting that a park be named after a Nazi war criminal. Does the Council aspire to the children within its area growing up to be violent criminals? It would seems so from this proposal.

"The original name – which has clear relevance to the area - Patrick Street Play park, should be retained.

"Under no circumstances should the Council pander to the illegal actions of those who erected a sign without Council approval in an attempt to intimidate the minority community within the local area.

"The Unionist/Protestant community, members of the Northern Ireland security forces, members of the Roman Catholic community who suffered at the hands of IRA terrorists and indeed all victims of Nationalist and “Loyalist” terrorists would find this offensive.

"Should the name change go ahead it will send a very clear message to people across Northern Ireland that the Protestant community are not welcome in Newry and Mourne."

Mr McConnell encouraged people to respond to the consultation by emailing their views to the Council's Equality Officer , Colin.Moffett@newryandmourne.gov.uk, before January 7th.