Enniskillen castle lit up in remembrance of victims of terrorism

Kenny Donaldson, Director of Services for South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) stated: "On March 5, innocent victims and survivors of terrorism were insulted and treated with contempt by the Assembly Commission, and specifically the Sinn Fein members blocking of our request to have Parliament Buildings illuminated red in marking European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism".

"That weekend ( March 5/6) we took many angry and hurt phone calls from victims and survivors, from across the community, those who have been impacted by both republican and loyalist terrorism. Innocent victims/survivors were just distraught that their own Assembly building would not permit such a basic gesture and recognition".

"Undeterred and on their behaves we approached a number of Councils directly seeking their support and solidarity for this special day, Derry and Strabane, Causeway, Coast and Glens, Antrim and Newtownabbey and our own local Council; Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have all responded positively, as has St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast. We would take this opportunity to thank the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and fellow Councillors who have supported our request, in doing so they have sent out a positive civic message and we look forward to continued efforts in the months and years ahead from local Government to effectively connect with victims and survivors living throughout the District. Enniskillen Castle and The Strule Arts Centre are two wonderful civic amenities, and we are pleased to see them illuminated in honouring European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism".

"On Thursday SEFF helped organise a virtual remembrance event facilitated by Jim Allister MLA (and with support from other MLA's across the political spectrum) and with participation from victims and survivors of both loyalist and republican terrorism. Edward O'Neill whose father was murdered in the Dublin bomb carried out by the UVF and who was himself seriously injured, Dr Andrea Nelson who was robbed of both parents through the La Mon attack and Judith Jenkins-Young (widow) and her daughter Sara-Jayne Young who had husband/father stolen from them as a consequence of The Hyde Park bombing. In both these latter incidents the Provisional IRA were responsible".

"SEFF re-asserts its' fundamental principle that all criminal violence was wrong in the context of 'The Troubles,' whether perpetrated by republican or loyalist terrorists or individual members of the security forces. It's this core value that unites people and this must be enshrined within all hearts," concluded Mr Donaldson.