TUV leader Jim Allister and deputy leader Court councillor Ron McDowell attended the unveiling a memorial and a service to mark 30 years since the IRA bombing of a Shankill fish shop resulted in the murder of nine innocent Protestants.
Speaking after the event Mr McDowell said:
“30 years ago today the community on the Shankill Road suffered one of its darkest days when the IRA murdered nine innocent people because they were Protestants. Even by the IRA’s barbaric standards, the Shankill bomb stands out both because of the number of lives lost and injuries inflicted and the total disregard of the bombers for age or sex.
“I was humbled today to stand with my community as we came together to remind the world that the lives lost on that day will never be forgotten. The large crowd which packed the church and spilled out into the street was a reminder that that horrific day is etched deep in the memory of the community. It was fitting that a prominent part in the service was played by local school children, reminding us that life goes on but we will ensure that the memory of those robbed of their lives by evil men will be preserved for generations.”
TUV leader Jim Allister added:
“Too often the experiences and ongoing needs of the victims of terrorism are overlooked by the powers that be. Today’s service was a welcome corrective to the attempt to airbrush victims from the record and a reminder of what innocent people suffered. At a time when an aspiring First Minister claims that there was “no alterative” to such atrocities it is more important than ever to remember what happened on the Shankill 30 years ago today.”