A SINN Féin-organised event at a Presbyterian Church was moved at the 11th hour after objections were raised on social media.
The information on cost of living event was due to be held at the Presbyterian Church in Hilltown, Co Down. It was still being advertised as being held there on the day of the event, December 6. But the Presbyterian Church of Ireland in Iveagh told the organisers, including local Sinn Fein Councillor Gerry O’Hare, they needed to find a change of venue.
In a statement to the Rathfriland Outlook, the church stated: “It was...recognised that holding the particular event...could have been incredibly difficult for many in the Presbyterian family, and others in the wider community, especially for those who have experienced unimaginable suffering during the Troubles.
“The church is very aware of that sense of pain, grief and loss.”
Mr O’Hare said he was “disappointed” at having to making the late venue switch and blamed “internet trolls”. Previous Sinn Féin-organised events have been held in the church, he added.
While some posters on social media objected to the event being held in the church, including one describing it as a “sick joke”, many others were supportive, noting times have changed since Sinn Féin was the political wing of the Provisional IRA.
The church, in making the decision, said that while it recognised the impact of the crisis on many people, its regulations state that no event organised and promoted by any political party should be held on its premises.
The Housing Executive, St Vincent de Paul, Community Advice, along with Chris Hazzard MP and Sinead Ennis MLA, were among those giving advice at the event, which was switched to Clonduff Youth Club.
