Dolores Kelly's Claims 'Without Foundation' - RSF

armagh | miscellaneous | press release Wednesday August 27, 2008 23:06 by Richard Walsh - Republican Sinn Féin

RSF have said that Dolores Kelly's claims that Republicans were involved in the desecration of Dougher Cemetery near Lurgan were without foundation.

Dolores Kelly's claims that Republicans were involved in the desecration of graves in Dougher Cemetery in Lurgan on Tuesday are without foundation, a spokesman for Republican Sinn Féin has said.

“Graves were wrecked by young vandals who had no connection with the Republican Movement. Indeed, two graves belonging to Republicans were also desecrated,” said Director of Publicity, Richard Walsh.

“This was a pathetic attempt by Dolores Kelly to link the incident with legitimate opposition to the British Crown Forces in Craigavon on Tuesday night.

“Furthermore, John O'Dowd's requests for anyone with information about a sniper targeting British forces on the Brownlow Road to report this to the RUC is nothing less than an attempt to recruit people from the Nationalist community as British spies.

“The people of Craigavon suffered a massive British incursion into the area, with many homes wrecked and people assaulted. Two helicopters were also hovering overhead.

“Unfortunately, such incursions into parts of North Armagh are not unprecedented. Dolores Kelly supported raids and arrests carried out against the people of North Armagh a number of months ago, which included the assault of a pregnant woman by the RUC. Indeed, it is the view of many people within the area that any alleged attack on her on Tuesday was minor compared to what was inflicted on others by her friends in the RUC.”