Sinn Fein, SDLP and DUP condemn attack on Castlewellan war memorial

Mr Lewis said he was contacted about the matter by a local resident who discovered the damage.

“What sort of uneducated, sectarian idiots think this sort of behaviour is acceptable?” he asked.

“These individuals clearly neither recognise nor understand the sacrifices made by those who fought and died, men and women from both traditions, of all religions and creeds, who stood shoulder to shoulder through two World Wars."

“Catholics and Protestants, unionists and nationalists, served and died together. Their sacrifice deserves respect, regardless of anyone’s political or religious beliefs.”

The PSNI has been invited to comment on the attack.

Mr Lewis added: “Castlewellan is a town where sectarian intimidation, hatred and division have played a significant role over many years. Its people know only too well the damage that such attitudes can cause, and the last thing this town needs is another generation determined to perpetuate that bitterness.”

“To deliberately damage a place of remembrance, particularly just days after Remembrance Sunday, demonstrates a staggering level of ignorance.”

He commended the resident who took the time to repair the damage and return the poppy box to its rightful place.

“Those responsible should hang their heads in shame. These memorials commemorate ordinary men and women who made extraordinary sacrifices, many of whom never returned to their families.

“You can overturn a poppy box, damage wreaths and desecrate a memorial, but you will never erase the sacrifice of those whose names are engraved upon it.

“This is not some political statement. It is uneducated, sectarian vandalism, plain and simple.”

Sinn Féin councillor Roisin Howell said: "The reports of damage at the War Memorial in Castlewellan are despicable and I unequivocally condemn the attack.

"There is no place for sectarian hatred or harassment in our society.”

"Twenty-eight years after the Good Friday Agreement that is what Sinn Féin is working to protect and build for the future. Anyone with information should contact the police."

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said he “utterly condemns the disgraceful vandalism”.

He added: “There is no place for this type of behaviour in our community. People have a right to remember and commemorate in their own way and that should be respected by everyone.

“The SDLP wants to build a new Ireland that is welcoming and accommodating of all traditions and identities. That means showing respect for what matters to others, even when we hold different views. Acts like this only serve to divide communities when we should be working to bring people together.”

The Royal British Legion, which sells poppies to raise funds for veterans and their families, say the poppy is non sectarian and nobody should be obliged to wear it.

Legally it is recognised as a non-sectarian symbol in work and commercial settings across Northern Ireland.

War memorials in towns and villages across Northern Ireland record the names of local residents who died while fighting in both world wars.

In recent years much more recognition has been given to the many members of the Catholic communities who were among them.

However nationalists often still object to the poppy because they associate it with the UK military forces in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

In 2017 the RBL said it was supporting around 40,000 veterans and/or their dependents in the Republic of Ireland.

According to Parliamentary figures almost 900 Irish citizens joined the UK Armed Forces from 2008-2018.