Michelle O’Neill ‘understands’ hurt over Remembrance Sunday event

Seana Quinn and Angela McKearney are two of those who signed the letter.

They lost family members in incidents they believe involved collusion between paramilitaries and security forces.

Speaking to Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra programme, they said the First Minister’s decision left them “extremely disappointed.”

Seana, who lost her brother in 1991, told the programme she believes “Sinn Féin are acknowledging British war crimes, we as a family are still very much hurting and the British government have refused to acknowledge the wrongdoings in the loss of my loved ones.”

She added: “I felt so much hurt. I was so disappointed, we have been fighting for justice for the death of my brother who was killed at 17 years of age.

“This language and terminology is used as an excuse to endorse the crown forces and to normalise their presence in our country.”

Angela, who lost both her uncle and brother in 1992, said she was “disappointed but not surprised, given Sinn Fein members over the years have met and greeted with the commander-in-chief of the British police and military.”

She added: “If she is a first minister for all, I’m included in that.”