Ceann Comhairle tells Arlene Foster Brian Stanley’s tweet was ‘disrespectful’ and requires a ‘credible political response’

THE CEANN COMHAIRLE has told DUP leader Arlene Foster that a tweet from Sinn Féin’s TD Brian Stanley will require “a credible political response.”

In a letter to Foster, Seán Ó Fearghaíl said that while he was “personally shocked and deeply shocked by its contents,” no action would need to be taken if Stanley addressed the tweet.

Stanley tweeted on Saturday comparing two historic IRA attacks on the British Army, the Kilmichael ambush in 1920 and the Warrenpoint ambush in 1979, prompting Foster to write a letter to the Oireachtas.

He later apologized and deleted the tweet.

I will write to Ceann Comhairle del Dáil about this embarrassing tweet. Although eliminated, it is outrageous that someone with such distorted views can occupy a high-level position in the Dáil. SF talks about respect and equality, but there are not many signs of respect for the victims. pic.twitter.com/dqMdWLI4rp

– Arlene Foster # We will meet again (@DUPleader) November 29, 2020

In his response, Ó Fearghaíl said that Stanley’s tweet was wrong.

Like many political representatives from the North and South, I was personally shocked and deeply shocked by its content.

“Posting such a hurtful statement on social media is not only disrespectful to the victims and their families, but an affront to all those committed to democratic politics on the island of Ireland,” he said.

“As elected representatives, I believe that we have a shared responsibility to respectfully address the legacy of the past, promote reconciliation, and support victims and their families.

“I know you will agree that it is an enormous privilege to serve as an elected representative and, in particular, to hold a position of responsibility; however, we all have a duty to uphold the fundamental values ​​and standards that are the cornerstones of democratic politics, ”said Ó ‘Fearghail.

“I must be particularly aware of the independent and non-partisan nature of my position. Nonetheless, I believe the statement on Twitter made by Rep. Stanley calls for a credible political response, one that sincerely acknowledges the pain and offense inflicted on the families who lost loved ones at Narrow Water, as well as the pain and the offense caused to those. who suffered severely during the thirty years of violence in Northern Ireland. “

He had written to the Dail Speaker following the shocking comments from the SF TD about the Narrow Water Massacre. Tonight I received your answer.

It is important that action is taken. Brian Stanley’s comments were embarrassing and deeply offensive to the innocent victims. pic.twitter.com/ivHFDvXMQZ

– Arlene Foster # We will meet again (@DUPleader) December 1, 2020

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald previously said she will not remove Stanley from his position as chair of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee for his tweet.

There have been calls for Stanley to resign his PAC chairmanship for a period of time over the matter.

McDonald told RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland that “this was Brian Stanley’s mistake and it will not be repeated.”

McDonald confirmed that he will not remove him from his position as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.

She said:

Brian is a very effective, impartial and fair committee chair. As people know, it is a very important committee. Work is critical and he is eager, and I am eager, for me to continue that work.