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Sinn Féin MLA stands by 'Nobel' hunger striker remark

SINN Féin MLA has defended his comments that an IRA man connected to the Kingsmill massacre deserves international recognition more than many Irish Nobel prize winners.

Barry McElduff, below, said he stood by his online remarks that R a y m o n d M c C r e e s h was "a hero and a martyr", which have sparked an angry reaction.

In his weekly blog, the west Tyrone MLA wrote that McCreesh - after whom a Newry playground has been named - is "more deserving of international recognition" than many past recipients of the Nobel prize.

His comments came just days after Newry and Mourne council voted to keep McCreesh's name on a council playground.

McCreesh was convicted of IRA membership and attempted murder before he died on hunger strike. He was arrested with an armalite used in the Kingsmills massacre of 10 Protestants by the IRA in 1976.

"Raymond McCreesh was no terrorist," wrote Mr McElduff.

"He came from one of the most highly respected families in south Armagh and for me, as a teenager, and for many thousands of others, Raymond McCreesh was a hero and a martyr.

"Raymond McCreesh fought and died for Ireland and the Irish people."

Mr McElduff added: "Next year, people will be tripping over themselves to honour the men and women of 1916. For me, Raymond McCreesh and his comrades who died on hunger strike are every bit as heroic as the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation.

"There are Irish people in possession of Nobel Prizes for their various contributions.

"As far as I am concerned, Raymond McCreesh would be more deserving of international recognition than many of the past recipients."

However, the comments provoked anger after they were published.

One man wrote: "What hope have we for a settled future when people keep voting in people like this".

Another said: "What international recognition are you suggesting Barry?

"A man convicted of arms offences wouldn't be an obvious choice for a Nobel Peace prize. Grinding fertiliser isn't exactly pushing the boundaries of chemistry either?"

But Mr McElduff last night told The Irish News that he defended his comments.

"This is my reflection of the week, my views on politics, sports - it is a chance for me to express my opinion," he said.

"Last week, I was getting fed up with the disparaging comments about Raymond McCreesh. He came from one of the most highly respected families in Armagh.

"I articulated my sentiments in my weekly blog and I wanted to reflect my thoughts.

"I have got a very good response for my comments and I stand by what I said."