Minister breaks silence on Council decision
Published Date:
07 October 2008
By Staff reporter
The Presbyterian Minister hounded out of Limavady almost 25 years ago has spoken of his sadness on a Council decision denying him the Freedom of the Borough.
Rev. David Armstrong was forced to leave the Roe Valley town in 1984 after exchanging goodwill Christmas greetings with the Catholic priest across the road, Fr Kevin Mullan.
‘Disappointed’
Now a Church of Ireland Minister in Co. Cork, Rev. Armstrong said he was disappointed by Limavady Borough Council's rejection of a proposal last week to grant him the civic honour along with Fr Mullan.
The SDLP motion failed after all six unionist councillors voted against.
The 8-6 vote was not good enough as a two-thirds majority was needed.
"It would have been lovely, particularly for my children, but probably one day, my grandchildren, to be able to go into Limavady and be told by all and sundry, this is the town where your grandfather used to preach love your neighbour," he said.
Mr Armstrong said he was forced from the Co. Derry town after receiving death threats.
The full article contains 182 words and appears in Journal Tuesday Derry Edit newspaper.
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Last Updated:
06 October 2008 2:04 PM
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Source:
Journal Tuesday Derry Edit
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Location:
Derry
