Statement by TUV chairman and Cusher councillor Keith Ratcliffe:
“Martin Hurson was a convicted terrorist whose abiding legacy is one which created and exacerbated division and hurt in Northern Ireland. Bringing a play of this nature to Armagh is something which will only serve to re-traumatise victims of the murderous IRA in which Hurson served. This is particularly an issue in ABC were so many suffered at the hands of the Provisional movement.
“In recent times we have seen an increasing mainstreaming of events, songs and chants which celebrate the IRA. At the same time, just last week we saw an Orange Hall attacked and an attempt to intimidate the minority community of the area by way of pro-IRA graffiti.
“I have not seen and have no desire to see the play but it is clear from the publicity for the production that it not only portrays the IRA in a romantic light but seeks to vilify the RUC whose brave officers held the line when terrorism threaten us all in Northern Ireland.
“It is totally unacceptable that a play of this nature should be permitted to go ahead. We as a society need to think long and hard about how we show respect for victims and frankly the law needs to reflect the needs of victims to be protected from constantly being exposed to events of such a nature.”