Sinn Féin leader Michelle O'Neill tells Lyra McKee murderers to disband and end futile actions

The Sinn Féin vice-president, Michelle O'Nell, has called on those who murdered Lyra McKee in Derry on Thursday to disband.
Michelle O'NeillMichelle O'Neill
Michelle O'Neill

Mrs. O'Neill delivering the main oration at the Sinn Féin Easter commemoration this afternoon said those who shot the 29-year-old author dead were in no way representative of Irish republicanism.

“Let me take a moment to address what happened in this city in recent days with the brutal murder of a young woman and journalist, Lyra McKee.

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“The people who brought guns onto the street, and those who organize them do not represent any version of Irish republicanism.

“They have no politics, no strategy, and no popular support amongst the vast number of ordinary people from this city or anywhere else in the country.

“Their actions are a barrier to Irish unity," said the Sinn Féin deputy leader.

The Mid Ulster MLA directly appealed to young people drawn to those behind what she described as the anti-community actions witnessed in Creggan on Thursday.

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“Sadly, what we have here is a small number of people caught in a time warp who have self appointed themselves to carry out actions which are pointless, anti-peace, anti-community and frankly, antiquated.

“They are living in a fools paradise if they think they are any type of rival to Sinn Féin and the Nationalist/Republican and progressive people of Derry or the 32 counties.

“To those young people circling these people, consider what type of future you want for your kids and grandkids – there are two futures on offer – one of peace, opportunity and Irish reunification, or one of death, imprisonment which serves no cause, community or people.

“Ask yourself what type of life and what type of Ireland do you want to be part of.

“It is high time these people disbanded and ended their futile actions which are a barrier to achieving Irish unity," said Mrs. O'Neill.