Dr Paisley visits FAIR April 2005

Today at 2:15 pm Dr Ian Paisley paid a visit to the victims of terrorism in south Armagh. We were grateful to be able to welcome the DUP leader to our Markethill office to spend time with a number of our members. Dr Paisley has been a keen supporter and follower of our work over the years.

He was given a brief tour around the office and shown the various features of our centre such as the memorial stone and our office facilities. He also saw our recently launched memorial quilt that commemorates the lives of those that suffered at the hands of terrorists and the tragic events perpetrated by in our area, a poignant reminder of the suffering and pain felt by so many.

Members of the group were able to highlight issues of concern to the DUP leader, including the security threat that has been constantly ignored by the government in their pursuit of appeasement demilitarisation. The issue of smuggling was also raised and the financial support this provides to the IRA. Dr Paisley reminded us of action he has taking in parliament regarding this and of his desire to see those issues addressed.

Accompanying Dr Paisley were local DUP councillors Heather Black and Freda Donnelly, and assemblyman Paul Berry MLA. The victims of terrorism from the group who came to speak to Dr Paisley were greatly encouraged by his words and his assurances of continued support and endorsement of the work of the group. His visit, in taking time out from a busy schedule, was greatly appreciated by all.

Dr Paisley with some of the talented members that made the quilt

DUP representatives at the FAIR memorial stone

A most welcome and positive visit from oldest and youngest DUP MLAs

A happy day!