Foster calls for law change on glorifying terrorism

The law should be changed so that people in authority like Michelle O'Neill can be prosecuted for glorifying terrorism, according to a former DUP leader.

Baroness Arlene Foster referred to the appearance of the first minister at a recent commemoration in Magherafelt for three IRA members killed when the bomb they were driving blew up prematurely in 1971.

Speaking in the House of Lords she said: "If the current first minister of Northern Ireland is intent on continuing the glorification of terrorism, and at best be reckless to the consequence of that, then surely that should be a matter the security minister should delve into.

"A change in the law is required to deal with those in authority who continue to exalt and deify terrorists who caused so much hurt and pain."

Sinn Féin's O'Neill and Baroness Foster worked together as first and deputy first minister at Stormont for a number of years.

Baroness Foster said every time there is a commemoration like the one attended by O'Neill in Magherafelt it retraumatises victims and "needs called out on every occasion it happens".

She added: "The very public act of commemoration also sends a very clear message to young republicans that what these young men did was honourable.

"It glamorises what they did and in the minds of young impressionable people who have little knowledge and experience of the IRA, it makes them sound like heroes, which patently they weren't.

"If we allow people in positions of authority to glorify terrorism in the way the current first minister of Northern Ireland does then it normalises terrorism in a cyclical way and will lead to young people being radicalised again."

Baroness Foster said the chanting of "ooh ah, up the ra" by young people is a symptom of the glorification of terrorism.

"If all you know about the IRA is that they took on the Brits and the current first minister of Northern Ireland says they were a great bunch of lads then you'll think 'ooh ah up the ra' is a grand wee chant.

"These young people know little about the devastation, murder, intimidation, and barbarity of the IRA, because it's not something the current first minister of Northern Ireland talks about."

Sinn Féin has been contacted for comment.