Statement by TUV Mid Ulster Westminster candidate Gareth Ferguson:
“The decision of Mid Ulster and three of the other Super Councils to remove any reference to the UK government from their website names and as part of the email address of officials and councillors is evidence that a new front is opening up in the Republican culture war.
“Sinn Fein demand respect and what they describe as equality while all the time seeking to purge even the slightest reference to anything remotely British from public display. They are literally attempting to airbrush the Union.
“This decision – coming hot on the heels of the council’s decision to ban the sale of poppies – is a reminder that Republicans will grant no tolerance or respect to anything associated with the UK.
“Councillors will, however, doubtless be only too happy and keen to take British money when they claim their allowances.
“The upcoming election will give people an opportunity to register their opposition to such a move. TUV alone stands in uncompromising opposition to the Sinn Fein agenda. You cannot partner Sinn Fein in government and then act as if you are their opponents at election time.
“It’s time to say enough is enough to this and other assaults on our Britishness.”