Damage to wreaths sickening - Kennedy

Deputy Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Danny Kennedy has condemned criminal damage in Armagh which saw 15 wreaths being burned at the City's Cenotaph. Commenting on the issue, Mr Kennedy said: "This is a totally despicable act which will be condemned by all right minded people within society here."

Mr Kennedy spoke to police in the city this morning who confirmed they believed the incident was malicious.

"This is just sickening. Just over a week ago we came together to remember those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice in both world wars and in more recent conflicts. This act of destruction is a complete insult and slur on their memory."

"It is unfortunate that in Northern Ireland some choose to politicise the symbol of the poppy instead of recognising it for what it truly is."

"The Poppy is an international symbol, recognised all over the world and worn by people of all backgrounds throughout the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth countries. It recognises the international sacrifice during both the world wars and other conflicts. The fact that the sectarian agenda of a republican element in Northern Ireland leads them to reject the Poppy is shameful. Our society deserves better than those driven by a narrow sectarianism."

"Those who carried out this act would do well to remember that the poppy represents men and women from both communities and both sides of the border."