DUP MLA Jim Well’s Hot and Bothered over Newcastle Republican Youth Weekend

Following recent criticism by DUP MLA Jim Wells of the upcoming Newcastle Republican Youth Weekend 9 – 11 January, Ógra Shinn Féin has issued the following press release.

Newcastle Ógra Shinn Féin spokesperson Fra Cochrane said,

“Whilst it is encouraging that Jim Wells has the time to examine Ógra Shinn Féin blog-spots on the Internet, his latest attempt to generate controversy over genuine political discourse is designed to do nothing more than generate cheap headlines.

“The weekend being organised by Ógra Shinn Féin will include debates on a diverse range of issues involving prominent guest speakers who are taking the time to engage with young people on political and social topics.


“There will also be a number of historical tours including a trip to Narrow Water Castle, which will allow for an explanation of some of the defining moments of the past conflict.

“Mr Wells needs to realise that Republicans fought a justifiable war against the British war machine here in Ireland, just as the Palestinian people are currently doing in Gaza. The British Paratroop regiment are notorious killers who, amongst a litany of other crimes in the six counties, murdered 13 innocent people in Derry on Bloody Sunday. The British soldiers killed at Narrow Water were combatants in a bloody conflict where all sides suffered.”

“This conference does not pose any threat to the Orange Hall in Newcastle and Mr Wells knows full well that it is impossible to control comments posted on an internet site. He only has to examine the sectarian bile that is emailed to Loyalist band websites to understand this, yet of course he always remains silent on this issue.”

“The reason why Sinn Féin has a very active youth wing is because the party puts an emphasis on political discourse and if Mr Wells would like to participate in this weekend’s event he is welcome to do so. This is probably unlikely however; as he is still unable to speak or be photographed with Sinn Féin elected representatives such is his inability to treat Republicans as equals.”

Statement by DUP MLA Jim Wells

The Sinn Fein Youth Wing which is known as Ógra Shinn Féin is holding a conference in Newcastle this weekend.

Speakers include Catriona Ruane and Barry McElduff (West Tyrone MLA).

Amongst the 'outings' is a trip to Narrow Water Castle to view the 'ambush site' where 18 soldiers were murdered in 1979.

There is also a promise that 'the colour of Newcastle Orange Hall will change for the weekend'.

The full details can be obtained on their web site which is located as follows - ograshinnfein.blogspot.com

'Most people living in South Down will be appalled that the youth wing of Sinn Fein have included as part of their conference programme an outing to celebrate and gloat over one of the most dreadful events in Northern
Ireland's history.

This gruesome interest in mass slaughter indicates just how little Sinn Fein have moved on'.

'They should be ashamed of this heinous crime but instead they are encouraging their young members to regard the site of the carnage as an opportunity for a day out to celebrate multiple murders.

I would call upon Catriona Ruane to totally disassociate herself from this and ensure that the outing is cancelled immediately'.

'I am also very concerned to learn of the threat to vandalise Newcastle Orange Hall.

This follows previous attacks on the hall including the discovery of a member of Sinn Fein Youth lying on the pavement outside the hall in suspicious circumstances in August 2007.

Several post boxes have also been painted green in Newcastle in recent months and there is no doubt that this threat is connected to these attacks'.