South Down Ógra Shinn Féin Reject calls For British Army Event

Following news that Down District Council may be involved in planning an event to try and strengthen community ties between the British Army based in Ballykinler and the community, Chairperson of South Down Ógra Shinn Féin, Fra Cochrane has said that they will oppose any event planned, even to the extent of organising a protest.

"We in Ógra Shinn Féin remain fully opposed to the presence of the British Army here in Ireland, and while there remains a presence here there will always be opposition. Cllr Dicks recent comments in relation to organising an event within the community merely represents a Brit Army charm offensive and an attempt to rub nationalist and republican noses in it who are completely opposed to the ongoing occupation.”

"The vast majority of people here do not want the British Army in their communities. Many people still have sensitivities towards the brutal foreign war machine which has occupied this country and the mere fact that they remain here is unsettling never mind attempting to integrate them into society.”

"Cllr Dick and Chief Executive John McGrillen need to realise that the Brit Army is not here to stay, and should already be gone as part of their demilitarisation commitments under the Good Friday Agreement so there is no need to make them comfortable here. If any event goes ahead we in Ógra Shinn Féin will be challenging it head on and organising a protest if needs be."