Following the recent social media post by the Sinn Féin Member of Parliament, Barry McElduff, the convener of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s Council for Public Affairs, Very Rev. Dr. Norman Hamilton, has called the incident ‘deeply wrong’ and said that it ‘clearly demonstrates ethical poverty and a lack of awareness and understanding of the pain that many people are still living with.’

Dr. Hamilton said:

There is absolutely no doubt that what happened in Kingsmills 42 years ago was one of the darkest moments in our very troubled past. This evil, sectarian act still leaves families grieving for their loss, wanting answers and craving justice for their loved ones.”

While we recognise that an apology has been issued, for an elected representative to add to this hurt, especially on an anniversary, is deeply wrong and clearly demonstrates ethical poverty and a lack of awareness and understanding of the pain that many people are still living with day-by-day.

This awful episode has been detrimental to the building of better relationships, which is so much needed in our society at this time. It highlights again the need for all those in public leadership to act with sensitivity and respect.