Anger over decision not to light up Parliament Buildings red for European Day of Remembrance for victims of terrorism

By Q Radio news

The spokesman for a local victims group, has hit out at the Assembly Commission's decision, not to light up Parliament Buildings for victims and survivors, here.

SEFF had requested Stormont be illuminated red, to mark European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism, which is this Thursday.

It's understood Sinn Fein vetoed the proposal.

Kenny Donaldson from The South East Fermanagh Foundation says victims are rightly hurt by the move:

"On 31st December 2020 South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) submitted a formal request for Parliament Buildings to be illuminated red in marking European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism on Thursday 11th March 2021.

The organisation jumped through all hoops asked of it via the governance processes of The Assembly Commission.

Today we received the response from The Commission.

The response reads": "Good afternoon.

I am coming back to you further to your query earlier this week about your request to light Parliament Buildings on 11th March to mark the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.

I can advise you that the Assembly Commission considered the request and was unable to reach a consensus decision as required by the Commission’s special lighting policy".

Mr  Donaldson responded..."This is a disgraceful decision and once again illustrates that terrorism remains able to thwart victim's lives.

How on earth can victims/survivors ever have confidence or respect in the governance of this place? A building can't even be lit for them ... This decision will cause immense hurt and anger across the victims and survivors' community".

"Due to the COVID pandemic victims and survivors have been denied the opportunity to come together this year to officially mark the day in our seat of governance - Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

The refusal by elected representatives to reach consensus in affording the simplest of gestures, a symbolic acknowledgement and show of respect to those most hurt within this Society is beyond words .. We have reached a new low today".

"Conversely we have a political party, and its' most senior representatives participate in a glorification of terrorism funeral in West Belfast, openly flout COVID rules and there are no consequences or penalties".

"People need to catch a grip of themselves, innocent victims and survivors of terrorism have sacrificed much over this last year in NOT coming together for collective remembrance, politicians had the power to ease this to a small degree through supporting our request for the building they work out of for the benefit of the community to be lit, they have comprehensively failed".

"Today's decision has far reaching implications and it's over to those in elected office to determine whether they are prepared to face up to this, or once again; allow it to slide," concluded Mr Donaldson.