Clerics invited to Mayor's ball

Reverend David Armstrong along with Father Kevin Mullen have reportedly accepted the invitation extended to them by Mayor Cathal hOisn for the event in May. Rev Armstrong received death threats after offering a Christmas message of goodwill to Catholic Father Mullen at a neighbouring church in 1984. The Sinn Fein Mayor says he is "honoured" both men have accepted the invitation.

Mayor hOisn said: "Both men will receive a very warm welcome from the people of Limavady.The events of the early 1980's have been a running sore that has blighted this town and Borough ever since and those of 2008 further compounded the matter when all six unionists councillors vetoed our attempt to honour both clergy as Freemen of the Borough. In Sinn Fin's opinion that was the most disgraceful decision ever taken by this council since it was established in 1972."

Both men will attend the ball due to be held in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Limavady on May 1. The ball will mark the end of Councillor hOisn's time as Mayor of the town and he hopes that the special invitation will signify to the ousted former minister and the people of

"The local people I have talked to have strongly expressed a desire to sort this out so that our legacy is not one of bigotry and intolerance. I know Father Kevin personally and have been heavily influenced by Reverend David's account in his book 'A Road Too Wide' and elsewhere. I realise the incredulous situation that pertained at that time and deeply regret that many have not been challenged sufficiently to appreciate the error of their ways."

"To this point as Mayor I have written to both men and invited them to attend the Mayors Ball in May. I am honoured that both have agreed to attend and Reverend David was absolutely delighted to hear from me. This will be one of the last civic duties as my year as mayor comes to an end and I believe it is the least I can do to right a great wrong and show both priests the new face of Limavady."