There has been widespread condemnation of 'IRA' graffiti which was sprayed on the wall of the Clinton Centre in Enniskillen, near the site of the Enniskillen Bomb.

Police in Enniskillen, who are treating the graffiti as a hate crime, are investigating the report of criminal damage caused to the building in the Belmore Street area of the town.

Kenny Donaldson, Director of victims support charity SEFF, and Deborah Erskine, DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, were among those who condemned the graffiti.

Mr. Donaldson described the graffiti as a "deplorable action by those intent on inflicting further pain and anguish upon those already so grievously wronged".

He added: “The memorial to the innocents of the Enniskillen Bomb remembers 12 innocents murdered by Provisional IRA terrorists - an act of demonic proportions, indiscriminately attacking people as they came together to mourn the dead of previous wars and conflicts.

“The truth hurts and for some the truth being represented at that site does hurt - the terrorists, those who justify their actions, other apologists and the fools who believe that the pathway to reconciliation is paved through airbrushing away the actions of others, and/or sanitising their behaviour.

“Our thoughts, prayers and support remains with the Enniskillen families this day and in each day that lies ahead,” said Mr. Donaldson.

Mrs. Erskine said she was "absolutely disgusted" to see IRA graffiti in Enniskillen.

"It is completely disgraceful and does not represent this town or any right-thinking person."

In a joint statement with her DUP colleague, Councillor Keith Elliott, Mrs. Erskine said: “This is a wholly despicable act. Those responsible should be utterly ashamed for trying to whip up public tensions.

"The IRA was a terrorist organisation which killed and murdered scores of people. They do not deserve any public show of support.

"This is also criminal damage to a property. I have reported this incident to the police and I hope those responsible are caught.

"No doubt this incident will upset Enniskillen Bomb families. This graffiti is very close to the memorial that Enniskillen Bomb families placed in remembrance of their loved ones.

"A few short weeks ago I joined with those families in a dignified remembrance event on November 8. The respect of those families is in sharp contrast to those that carried out this disgusting graffiti incident, in such a public way.”

Councillor Elliott added: “I am shocked to see this graffiti on a public building, which is close to a memorial to 12 innocent people killed by the IRA. There was no justification for IRA terrorism in Enniskillen or anywhere else.

"Causing hurt to the good people of Enniskillen is shameful. We will not allow anyone to drag us back to dark days.

"I ask anyone to come forward with information they may have on this incident to the PSNI.”

The report that graffiti had been sprayed on the wall of the Clinton Centre was received by the PSNI on Sunday evening, November 26.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Enquiries into the incident, which is being treated as a hate crime, are ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, or who has any information which could assist, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 1600 26/11/23.

"A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."