UNIONISTS have defended pledging their support for a 'No pope here' campaign on a popular social networking website. DUP politicians, including Mid-Ulster MLA Ian McCrea, are among numerous members of Facebook who have signed up to an online group venting their opposition to a potential papal visit to Northern Ireland.
The group, which currently contains 65 members, was set up in September when speculation first arose that Pope Benedict XVI could visit the Province next year.
It was claimed the pontiff's possible presence could be as part of a trip to the UK as early as January.
Mr McCrea, who previously posted views on his own personal website that a papal visit would "face the vent of Protestant opposition", said he had been invited to join the Facebook group by its administrator.
"I have a right to my opinion and I don't believe the pope is welcome here in Northern Ireland," he told the News Letter.
The DUP man said he was opposed to any visit both on the grounds of community relations and his own personal Christian views.
"The pope sets himself up as the ruler of all men - as the head of the Church. However, the scripture teaches that Christ is the head of the Church."
He added: "There is nothing sinister in joining the group - we are Protestants opposed to a papal visit."
The Mid-Ulster representative has been joined on the Facebook by political colleagues, including DUP councillors Brian Graham and Ian Stevenson.
When contacted by the News Letter, Mr Graham said he "could not remember" adding his name to the anti-Pope campaign, but nonetheless defended his decision to be associated with the group.
When asked why he had joined, the Antrim councillor replied: "There is no specific reason but I don't think the situation here is suitable (for a papal visit) and I don't think it would be a wise decision."
Mr Stevenson, a Ballymoney councillor, said he could personally not accept such a visit due to his Protestant beliefs and principles.
"I do fully believe a significant proportion of people would welcome it but I theologically have great differences and in my own conscience I could not accept such a visit," he said.
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