Sinn Fein MP suspended for Kingsmill clip on anniversary of massacre ‘meant no offence’
A SINN Fein MP who posted a social media video of himself with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head on the anniversary of the Kingsmill massacre has said he accepts his party’s decision to suspend him for three months.
Barry Mcelduff, West Tyrone MP, reiterated what he described as a “deep and sincere” apology to relatives of the Kingsmill victims, insisting he did not mean to cause any hurt.
The suspension came after Mr Mcelduff attended a meeting at Sinn Fein’s offices in west Belfast. “Although I genuinely meant no offence, I accept that my actions were ill-judged and, while unintended, caused deep and unnecessary hurt and pain to the Kingsmill families,” he said. Kingsmill bread brand shares a name with the south Armagh village that witnessed one of the most notorious incidents of the Troubles in 1976.
Gunmen stopped a van carrying textile workers on their way home, identified the Protestants, lined them up at the side of the road and shot them, killing 10. Mr Mcelduff said in a statement: “I apologise unreservedly for this. In recognising the serious consequences of my actions, I fully accept the party’s decision to suspend me from all party activity for a period of three months.”
Outside Sinn Fein’s offices on the Falls Road, Belfast, Mr Mcelduff said he had “no idea” he had posted the video on the anniversary of the massacre. In the video, Mr Mcelduff, who is known for his light-hearted social media contributions, is filmed walking around a shop with a Kingsmill loaf on his head, asking where the store kept the bread.
Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Sinn Fein’s former Stormont finance minister, also apologised for retweeting the video.