Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley apologizes for ‘inappropriate’ tweet

Sinn Féin’s TD Brian Stanley has apologized for a now-deleted tweet referencing War of Independence incidents and Troubles, saying it was “inappropriate and insensitive.”

On Saturday, TD Laois-Offaly tweeted in reference to the Kilmichael Ambush in 1920 and the Narrow Water Massacre in 1979, stating that they were “the 2 IRA operations that taught the elite of the British Army and the establishment the cost of occupy Ireland. Pity for everyone, they were such slow learners ”.

Eighteen British soldiers died at Warrenpoint, while 17 died during the War of Independence incident at Kilmichael, along with three men from the IRA.

The tweet sparked a backlash online, with accusations that it glorified violence and bloodshed.

Northern Ireland Prime Minister Arlene Foster said she will write to Ceann Comhairle del Dáil regarding the “embarrassing” tweet.

“Although eliminated, it is outrageous that someone with such distorted views can occupy a high-level position in the Dail. SF talks about respect and equality, but there are not many signs of respect for the victims ”.

In a statement issued through Sinn Féin’s press office, Stanley, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, said: “I apologize for the content of an inappropriate and insensitive tweet I sent yesterday.”

A party spokesman said: “We note that Brian Stanley has deleted a tweet that was inappropriate and insensitive, and that he has apologized.

“We all have a responsibility in this Centennial Decade to remember and commemorate the past in a respectful way.”

When asked for a comment on Stanley’s tweet, Sinn Féin health spokesperson David Cullinane said that “it’s fair to say that there will never be an agreed narrative about past events. Our continued focus must be to build on the success of the peace process. “

He also said that there is a responsibility to commemorate the past in a respectful way.