Campbell hits out at Ervine for horrific verbal attack on Raymond McCord

11.44.58am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Aug 2006

Alliance Newtownabbey Councillor, Tom Campbell

Newtownabbey Alliance Councillor, Tom Campbell has rebuked PUP leader, David Ervine, over comments he made at public debate last night to Raymond McCord regarding Mr McCord's son, who was murdered by the UVF. Mr Ervine's comments came at a West Belfast Talks Back event which was part of the Feile an Phobail.

Cllr Campbell said: "I am disgusted by the horrific verbal attack which David Ervine launched on Raymond McCord last night.

"His comments were disgraceful, crass and insensitive. David Ervine's remarks denigrate the memory of Mr McCord's son, Raymond McCord Jnr.

"Alliance strongly supports Mr McCord's campaign for justice over the murder of his son by the UVF in 1997.

"I call on the UUP to rethink their strategy of linking up with the PUP, because links with representatives of armed and active paramilitary groups are abhorrent.

Tom Campbell concluded: "The only way that David Ervine can stop the justified criticism regarding UVF activities is by helping bring an end to their brutal reign of terror for once and for all."

ENDS