THE Sinn Fein MP who caused outrage with a social media post linked to a massacre has resigned.
Barry McElduff provoked outrage after he shared a video of himself with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head earlier this month on the anniversary of the 1976 Kingsmill massacre.
Ten Protestant textile workers were shot dead by Republican paramilitaries in the South Armagh village where the atrocity took place.
McElduff, who represented West Tyrone, was suspended by his party and has now resigned after causing “deep and unnecessary hurt” to the families of the victims.
He said: “It is with great sadness that, after more than 30 years as an active Sinn Fein member and public representative, I am tendering my resignation as MP for West Tyrone.
“The reason I am doing so is because of the consequences of the Twitter video which has caused such controversy over the last week.”
Claiming the post was not made in reference to the killings, he said: “Had I been conscious of the connection to the terrible atrocity at Kingsmill I would certainly not have posted that tweet. I genuinely did not make that connection, not for a second did I make that connection in my mind. Kingsmill was wrong, unjustifiable and sectarian. It should never have happened.”
DUP leader Arlene Foster said the resignation was the “right decision”, adding: “He was not fit for public office and should have resigned in the immediate aftermath of posting the disgraceful video mocking and insulting the horrific terrorist events at Kingsmill.
“Now is the time for Sinn Fein to learn the lessons from these dark events and to deal with the fact that it, and many of its individual members, continue to publicly glorify the murderous deeds of the past. This needs to end if we are to build a future based on integrity and respect.”
The sole survivor of the attack, welcomed McElduff’s resignation. Alan Black, who was shot 18 times, said: “This past week has been truly awful for me.
“I am just hanging by a thread. I am glad he has done the right thing. This whole thing has taken a heavy toll.”
Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill said McElduff had caused “unintended hurt”.
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