He delivered the blunt message in an address to the Annual West Tyrone Volunteers Commemoration held in Strabane on Saturday evening.

Following wreath laying ceremonies and tributes at a Republican Plot in Strabane, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn spoke about how the great “void” left by the deaths of our patriots was most “acutely” felt by the nearest and dearest who have been left behind.

“This common bond was forged because of their refusal to opt for ‘the easy life’ in the face of injustice and adversity,” he said.

Speaking about the current political situation he said: “The present political difficulties are not a new phenomenon. Unionists have consistently opposed every move towards building a society of equals in the North.

“If the DUP wishes to be in government then it will be in partnership and on the basis of equality for all citizens.

”The overriding cause of the difficulties experienced in the political process is the refusal by the DUP to accept the basic principles of partnership and equality in government.”