SF man will get invites as joint FM

The criticism and anger led by Ann Travers and other victims was fully justified as it shows the hurt and degree of insensitivity shown to victims and their families that Mr McGuinness should be invited, let alone asked to speak at such an event.

The problem for victims and their families is that, while Martin McGuinness was a former IRA commander, his status as Joint First Minister (this is what the ‘Office of First and Deputy First Minister’ is) entitles him as much as his co equal Arlene Foster to not only be invited to such events but to also speak at them.

Unionism and victims have a clear choice as it is not enough to complain when Martin McGuinness speaks at such conferences or on victims issues as his elected position as Joint First Minister will allow him, but they should also take the position that his past role as an IRA commander should prevent him from holding the highest role in the Northern Ireland Executive – that of Joint First Minister.

The unionist electorate, unionist victims and their families have an opportunity to challenge the various unionist parties in the forthcoming Assembly elections in May as to what their position is in relation to Sinn Fein in government and if they continue to vote for those unionists who will sit in government with Sinn Fein and continue to have Martin McGuinness, the former IRA commander, as Joint First Minister, then they cannot complain if he attends or speaks on other victims conferences or issues.

Walter Millar, TUV Cookstown