Second Sinn Féin TD defends tribute to hunger striker who was convicted of manslaughter

Sinn Féin spokesperson on housing Eoin Ó Broin: 'All communities, both in the North and across the island, have the right to commemorate their dead during the course of the conflict.' Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

A second Sinn Féin TD said they were comfortable with the party commemorating a hunger striker who had been convicted of the manslaughter of a young woman.

Thomas McElwee died 40 years ago after 62 days on hunger strike, having been arrested when a bomb he was transporting exploded. He was later convicted of the murder of 26-year-old shop owner Yvonne Dunlop, who was burned alive when her shop was firebombed. Mr McElwee's conviction was later downgraded to manslaughter.