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16/09/2021
Irish President Turns Down Invite To Mark NI Centenary
The DUP has asked the Irish President Michael D Higgins if he is "officially snubbing" Northern Ireland's centenary.
Strangford MLA Peter Weir has written to the Irish President asking if his office is joining the SDLP and SF in boycotting events which mark NI's centenary.
Mr Weir said: "The Republic of Ireland's President has turned down an invitation to a service in Armagh marking the centenary of Northern Ireland. I have written to the Irish President asking if his office is officially snubbing all events marking this milestone in the decade of centenaries.
"If President Higgins is officially snubbing NI Centenary events, I have urged him to think again. This island has a been living through a decade of centenary milestones. At every stage unionism has engaged positively and sought to use such events to advance reconciliation and peace.
"It is narrowminded and deeply disappointing that Sinn Fein and the SDLP have vetoed almost every publicly funded initiative to mark Northern Ireland's centenary. They even vetoed the placement of a centenary stone in Parliament Buildings even though it was being gifted by unionist MLAs.
"For such high office in the Republic of Ireland to join Sinn Fein and the SDLP in boycotting centenary events speaks volumes about that country's commitment to reconciliation and progress."
Strangford MLA Peter Weir has written to the Irish President asking if his office is joining the SDLP and SF in boycotting events which mark NI's centenary.
Mr Weir said: "The Republic of Ireland's President has turned down an invitation to a service in Armagh marking the centenary of Northern Ireland. I have written to the Irish President asking if his office is officially snubbing all events marking this milestone in the decade of centenaries.
"If President Higgins is officially snubbing NI Centenary events, I have urged him to think again. This island has a been living through a decade of centenary milestones. At every stage unionism has engaged positively and sought to use such events to advance reconciliation and peace.
"It is narrowminded and deeply disappointing that Sinn Fein and the SDLP have vetoed almost every publicly funded initiative to mark Northern Ireland's centenary. They even vetoed the placement of a centenary stone in Parliament Buildings even though it was being gifted by unionist MLAs.
"For such high office in the Republic of Ireland to join Sinn Fein and the SDLP in boycotting centenary events speaks volumes about that country's commitment to reconciliation and progress."
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Mr Trimble and Mr Durkan have paid their respects to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York during a wreath-laying ceremony at Ground Zero. The first and deputy first ministers were on the second day of a week-long visit to the US, and laid the wreath on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
