Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Former veterans minister condemned for dismissing the killing of a young Irish man during the Troubles
Former veterans minister Johnny Mercer with Dennis Hutchings at a 'Respect our Meterans' march in Parliament Square, central London

SACKED veterans minister Johnny Mercer was criticised over a “vile” tweet today in which he appeared to dismiss the killing of a young Irish man during the Troubles. 

The former minister came under fire after posting a photo from Saturday’s veterans protest in Parliament Square with his arm round Dennis Hutchings, the Cornish former squaddie who is facing trial for the attempted murder of John Pat Cunningham in Tyrone in 1974.

Mr Cunningham, a 27-year-old man with learning difficulties, was fatally shot in the back while running away from an army patrol near Benburb. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
FINDING COMMON CAUSE: Supporters of the Irish rap group Kneecap outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London with London Irish Brigade solidarity placards for Mo Chara
Ireland / 9 March 2026
9 March 2026

AARON SMITH discusses why the Protestant diaspora are still part of Yeats’s ‘Indomitable Irishry’, and an integral part of any future united Ireland.

CONTROVERSY: A court artist sketch of Nicholas Johnson KC crossexamining nurse Lucy Letby at Manchester Crown Court, May 18 2023
Features / 14 September 2025
14 September 2025

Former judge ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the details and controversy of Lucy Letby’s trial and appeal in the context of famous historical wrongful convictions that prove both the justice system and legal activists make errors

A man walks past a banner for Feile an Phobail, also known as the West Belfast Festival, in the Falls Park, August 2022
Ireland / 30 July 2025
30 July 2025

Why not pay a visit to Feile an Phobail, a people’s festival of community arts with roots in the days of internment without trial, and where the spirit of solidarity remains undimmed, says LYNDA WALKER