PSNI confirm investigation into erection of ‘sinister’ posters in NI towns
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One of the posters, which shows a woman with a rifle and states ‘Time to Decide’, was placed outside the Lurgan offices of Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd.
Others have appeared across Lurgan, Portadown and Banbridge town centres as well as Armagh and Loughgall.
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Hide AdUpper Bann MLA Mr O’Dowd said he has asked the police to investigate.
“The posters appear to be replicas of a historical poster of the 1912 period when thousand of guns were illegally landed in Ireland by the UVF.
“The addition of the term ‘Time to Decide’ is seen by many as a call to repeat the use of the gun in modern day Irish politics.
“The police need to investigate those responsible for the erection of these posters and their motivation.
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Hide Ad“The promotion of the gun in today’s Ireland is totally unacceptable and should be condemned by all.”
DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said: “I’m aware posters have been erected in Lurgan but I certainly don’t know anyone who is suggesting violence as a course of action.
“Violence has proved over and over to be futile and ends only in broken homes and lives. The Protocol will be opposed by peaceful and democratic means. We have a strong argument, and we will make it heard.
“Of course, there is no place for the gun in politics today just as there was no justification for the use of guns in the 70s, 80s and 90s. There was never justification for violence yet Sinn Fein spend most weekends celebrating and glorifying the people who used guns to murder innocent men, women and children.
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Hide Ad“Many people will look at John O’Dowd’s comments with a sense of irony given the repeated PIRA glorifications, sponsored by his Party which have sole purpose of celebrating the use of guns.”
Alliance Cllr Peter Lavery said: “Over the weekend a number of posters were erected on lampposts across Lurgan which aim to incite tensions.
“I have been in contact with the PSNI and Department for Infrastructure asking that the posters be removed.
“Those who are seeking to exploit ongoing difficulties for their own gain need to take a step back before someone gets hurt.
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Hide Ad“We need to continue to work together as a community to resolve problems for the betterment of us all.”
SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has raised the erection of sinister posters in Lurgan with police and has called on them to investigate this matter urgently.
This is a time for cool heads! Some in political leadership have failed miserably this week, I hope they catch themselves on quickly for all our sakes.”
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are investigating reports of posters erected at a number of locations in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area.
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Hide Ad“The reports of posters in the Lurgan, Banbridge, Portadown, Loughgall and Armagh areas were received on Sunday 7 February.”
Inspector Rocks said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 823 of 07/02/21.”
“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”
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