We must defend RUC remembrances

It is beyond the pale for the PSNI to be adopting the policy of terrorism – to bury the past, to lock it away and to disregard the brutality of those who went out to take the lives of their fellow neighbours.

Five years ago, a researcher came to the offices of an IVU member group and when inside questioned the ‘neutrality and working environment’ of the reception area within that group’s premises.

As the researcher made the remarks they were fixated on the ‘Our Murdered Colleagues’ RUC memorial montage which hung on the wall of that premises.

The researcher was advised that if you are offended by the dignified remembrance of your neighbours who were murdered because they were courageous enough to stand against terrorism and were committed to serving the community then turn on your heel and get out, you are not welcome.

This is the approach which must exist across the spectrum, no ifs, no buts, no maybes.

The PSNI, The Fire Service (ref the montage to those who perished in the Poppy Day Bomb massacre which was removed) and all others who have adapted policies to placate the warped mind-sets of those who are offended by the remembrance of those innocents who have been murdered through terrorism need to wise up once and for all.

You are not contributing to building a brighter, shared future, you are playing a covert role in enabling the policy of political revisionism to flourish.

Kenny Donaldson, Innocent Victims United, Lisnaskea