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Councillor Terry Hearty condemns Irish News British Army advertisements

Published: 15 August, 2008

Councillor Terry Hearty condemns Irish News British Army advertisements

Sinn Féin Councillor Terry Hearty has criticised the Irish News for their promotion of the British Army through several advertisements contained in the paper.

Cllr Hearty said,

"The Irish News have always claimed to be editorially opposed to violence, yet in yesterday's paper I saw several examples of hypocrisy.

Promoting education through the British Army, or "Back to School: ARMY STYLE", is surely not the most appropriate avenue for young people to re-enter education. There are many avenues available to young people to continue their education, without being involved in an Army that has a long and violent history in Ireland.

I am disappointed that the Irish News feels it is acceptable to promote British Army recruitment to people as young as 16 considering their history, and current practices in Iraq and Afghanistan."