Kennedy attends services in support of the people of Newry

Speaking before attending morning worship in the Downshire Presbyterian Church Hall in Newry, Danny Kennedy, Ulster Unionist MLA for Newry and Armagh, said the community must pull together to ensure a small minority do not drag us back to the past.

"I wanted to attend morning worship at Downshire Presbyterian Church Hall today to show my solidarity with the parishioners here. Whilst the Church has suffered quite extensive damage, today's service shows that the men of violence will not deter the people of Newry from getting on with their lives. I am here to support that message of dignified defiance.

Mr. Kennedy will also attend the service to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the murder of nine RUC officers at Corry Square in Newry.

Speaking of the service Mr. Kennedy said:

"Corry Square was the biggest single loss of life of life for the RUC during the Troubles. It tragically changed the lives of the nine families and the numerous friends of the brave officers who died, forever. I am glad I can participate in marking the anniversary of their loss and to remind us all of the ultimate sacrifice far too many people made to keep our society together.

"We have thankfully come along way in 25 years; however, recent events clearly show that there are still people wedded to violence. As we look back and remember those who lost their lives, we must also look forward and do all we can to ensure that no more families have to suffer such tragic loss".