A war of words has erupted among councillors in Magherafelt over plans to erect a World War One sculpture at the entrance of a housing estate in the town.

DUP’s Paul McClean branded Sinn Féin councillors as ‘hypocrites with blood on their hands.’

The heated outburst from Mr McClean took place at the monthly council meeting.

Plans for the Leckagh estate sculpture includes a solider holding a gun.

Members heard that council had met with local residents to discuss proposals and it was suggested that the gun be removed.

Sinn Fein’s Brian McGuigan said the sculpture would not be a welcoming symbol coming into any estate. 

“The majority of local people have said that they do not want this type of thing,” he said.

Paul McLean responded by saying:  “You would think that Sinn Féin has changed their spots. What is the difference in these people from Leckagh looking for a solider from World War One, to acknowledge the Great War, when the GAA are handing out medals with IRA men on them?

“Do you think that everybody in here is gullible?  We have this placid speech as if nothing happened.   It would make you boke.

"You would think that Sinn Fein are all sitting here with halos on their heads, when in reality there is blood on people’s hands.”

See Tuesday's paper for the full story. 

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