Sinn Fein-hosted Presbyterian Church event changes venue after social media criticism

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A SINN Féin event at a Presbyterian church was moved to the 11th hour after objections were raised on social media.

The cost of living information event was due to take place at the Presbyterian Church in Hilltown, Co Down. It was still advertised that it would be held there on the day of the event, December 6. But the Presbyterian Church of Ireland in Iveagh told organisers, including local Sinn Fein councilor Gerry O’Hare, they needed to find a change of venue.

In a statement to the Rathfriland Outlook, the church said: ‘It was…recognized that holding the particular event…could have been incredibly difficult for many members of the Presbyterian family and other members of the wider community, especially for those who experienced unimaginable suffering during the Troubles.

“The church is very aware of this sense of pain, grief and loss.”

Mr O’Hare said he was ‘disappointed’ at having to change venue late and blamed ‘internet trolls’. Previous Sinn Féin events have taken place in the church, he added.

While some posters on social media objected to holding the event in the church, including one describing it as a “sick joke”, many others were supportive, noting that times have changed since the Sinn Féin was the political wing of the Provisional IRA.

The church, in making the decision, said that while it recognizes the impact of the crisis on many people, its bylaws state that no event organized and promoted by a political party should be held on its premises.

Housing Officer St Vincent de Paul, Community Advice, along with MP Chris Hazzard and MP Sinead Ennis, were among those giving advice at the event, which moved to the Clonduff Youth Club.

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