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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. 

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