Row over plans to erect statue of Padraig Pearse in Co Derry town

A row has broke out over plans to build a monument in a Co Derry town to mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising.

Martin Logan, chairperson of Counties Derry & Antrim Republican Graves Association, has taken issue with DUP councillor, Paul McLean's claim that the association's plans to have a statue of Pádraig Pearse erected in Broad Street, Magherafelt "a Sinn Féin stunt."

Mr Logan said: "Councillor McLean is completely wrong in his assertion that our association's planning application is 'a Sinn Féin stunt'.

“Our association which has been in existence for many years is independent of any political party and is governed by a constitution and rules adopted by our membership.

“It is our mission to respectfully remember Ireland's patriot dead and to advance the egalitarian and inclusive message of the 1916 Proclamation of The Irish Republic.

“It is not a requirement of membership of our association to belong to a political party or to promote the activities of any political party.

"Like other associations and organisation, we have the right to apply for planning permission regarding our proposed monument in memory of all those who died in the struggle for Irish freedom and independence. .