Outrage as Sinn Fein hold election announcement just yards from memorial service to remember IRA bomb victims
Politicians, residents, and local community representatives have expressed outrage that Sinn Fein chose to have a party election event in Lisburn on Monday June 15, just yards from where a memorial service was being held in memory of six soldiers killed in an IRA bomb attack 38 years ago.
First Minister and Sinn Fein leader Michelle O’Neill attended the event to name Declan Lynch as the Party’s Lagan Valley candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections.
The event was held at the Haslem Hotel in Lisburn Square at the same time that a memorial service was being held just yards away in Market Place with politicians, veterans, and family members of the murdered soldiers in attendance.
The memorial is held every year on the same date and when it was discovered that Sinn Fein choose that date for their election announcement, there was anger in the local community.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengally said: “So many people are appalled by the deeply insensitive decision of Sinn Fein to hold their political rally in Lisburn on the very evening of the anniversary of this terrible IRA attack that took the lives of six young men.
“Not only on the day of the anniversary, but just round the corner from the where the memorial and service was held to the six young men, murdered in one of the most terrible attacks of the troubles.”
Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan shared his Party colleagues disgust, saying: “The people of Lisburn gathered in solemn remembrance at the Market Place to mark the 38th anniversary of the IRA’s cowardly bombing of the Fun Run.
"Six young soldiers were murdered in that brutal attack, and many innocent civilians were injured.
"At the very same time, and just around the corner, Sinn Fein held a celebratory event in Lisburn city centre to launch their Lagan Valley Assembly candidate.
"This was insensitive and deeply disrespectful. On a day when we should all have been united in remembering the innocent lives taken by the IRA, Sinn Fein chose to hold a political rally only metres away.
"We will never forget the six soldiers murdered that evening and we will continue to honour their memory with dignity.”
Former Mayor of Lisburn, Alderman Amanda Grehan, who had laid a wreath at last year’s memorial service, commented: “Having met the families and heard their stories, I know how important this remembrance is.
"I was 24 years old when this atrocity happened in the wee town I grew up in, and I remember the impact it had on my friends, my family and our wider community.
"I find Sinn Féin’s decision to announce their Assembly candidate on the same evening as this commemoration both insensitive and deeply disrespectful.
"At a time when families were remembering loved ones lost in a brutal terrorist attack, political advancement should have taken a back seat to remembrance and respect.
"The timing of this announcement showed a lack of judgement and a lack of regard for those still living with the pain and legacy of that atrocity.”
A spokesperson for a local community group said: "For many people, the date and location make this particularly difficult to understand, given that the event was held only a short distance from where the bombing took place.
"The anniversary remains a painful reminder of the suffering experienced by victims, their families, and the wider community.
"Many people will view the decision to host this event on such a significant anniversary as insensitive and disrespectful to those affected by the bombing and the lasting impact of Northern Ireland’s troubled past.”
Lisburn Councillor Gary Hynds said: “Given the date and significance of what happened in our city 38 years ago, Sinn Fein representatives would have been fully aware of the sensitivity surrounding it.
"Many people will rightly view the decision to proceed with such an event, at that location and on that date, as deeply inappropriate and hurtful to victims’ families and all those affected by terrorism.”
A spokesperson for Sinn Fein responded, saying: "Every loss of life during the conflict is a tragedy. Everyone has the right to remember their dead with dignity and respect. We've come from a difficult past and many have suffered loss right across our society.
"Our job is to continue building the peace. That was the focus of our election launch last night in Lisburn - it’s about electing an MLA who is determined to build a better future for everyone in Lagan Valley."
Speaking at the event when he was named as Assembly election candidate, Councillor Declan Lynch said: “I am honoured to have been selected as Sinn Féin's Lagan Valley candidate in the forthcoming Assembly election.
“Lagan Valley is my home. It’s where I live, and where my wife and I are raising our young family, and it is a place and community that I care deeply about. Community, teamwork and leadership have been central to every aspect of my life.
“There is currently no nationalist MLA in Lagan Valley. In May 2027, I can change that. I can win in Lagan Valley.”
Sinn Féin Leader Michelle O’Neill added: “I am proud that Declan Lynch will stand as Sinn Féin’s candidate in the Assembly election. Declan is deeply rooted in the community in this area.
“As a young and enthusiastic candidate, Declan will work tirelessly every day to stand up for workers, families and communities across Lagan Valley, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests represented."