Beggs hits out at pure sectarianism in Sinn Fein literature

Roy Beggs, Ulster Unionist Party candidate for East Antrim has hit out at the contents of Sinn Fein election literature, describing them as ‘pure sectarianism’.

Mr Beggs said:

“In the Sinn Fein election literature it states, ‘Oliver is the only MLA representing East Antrim that is NOT a unionist.’ Why have they included this line? I think it is not by chance. He is not the only East Antrim who is not a unionist- Alliance have not been a unionist party for many, many years. What Sinn Fein is basically saying is that their candidate is the only non-Protestant East Antrim MLA. Previously Alliance ran Catholic candidates for Westminster and the Assembly. Clearly Mr McMullan believes that his people should automatically vote for him based on his religious background. This is a pitch for votes which is purely sectarian.

“I am asking for vote based on the fact that I am a unionist- someone who fundamentally believes that the union of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the best way forward for all out people, from all religious backgrounds and none, in social economic and cultural terms. The Ulster Unionist Party is best placed to articulate a mainstream, pluralist, non-sectarian pro union voice at Westminster.”