Statement by TUV South Belfast Assembly candidate Andrew Girvin:
“The bombing of a maternity hospital in Ukraine by Russian aircraft has shocked the world and understandably so.
“People in Northern Ireland and particularly in South Belfast have a particular empathy with the people who are suffering in this fashion in light of the fact that they too have witnessed the sort of depravity and total disregard for human life which targeting a hospital requires.
“In 1991 the IRA bombed Musgrave Park Hospital, murdering two off duty soldiers and injuring five civilians, including a baby and a five year old girl.
“The hospital’s children’s ward had to be evacuated because of damage and the large amount of broken glass.
“When we hear words of condemnation for Russian’s actions we would do well to recall that there are some who continue to defend and justify similar actions closer to home.”