Councillor expresses dismay at republican slogans shouted during a VJ Remembrance event

Councillor Trevor Wilson has expressed his dismay at disruption during a VJ Remembrance ion Sunday evening. He said: ‘It was extremely disappointing that at the VJ remembrance service in Cookstown some people would try to disrupt it by shouting IRA slogans. It was nothing short of disgraceful.

This was a moment to honour the fallen, not to spew hate. Such behaviour is beneath contempt and should be condemned by everyone.

It should be remembered that both sides of the community fought hand died for the freedom we enjoy today.

These individuals clearly have no understanding of respect, nor of history.

I would urge these individuals in. Question to reflect on what they have done, and consider the hurt and offence caused’.

UUP representative Jay Basra added: ‘This incident shows how dangerously normalised that chanting of “Up the RA” has become through parts of our media and music. 

Let us not forget, during the Second World Warble the IRA actively sought to assist the Axis powers against the United Kingdom. To shout such a slogan is ignorance of the highest order. 

The fact it was done of the 27th anniversary of the Omagh bombing makes it all the more vile, offensive and shameful.