Menu
22/10/2021
DUP Criticises Sinn Féin For Not Attending NI Centenary Event
Sinn Féin has "misjudged the moment" in their refusal to attend a service to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland, DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said.
Mr Donaldson said that Sinn Féin's approach in recent months had been to snub any reference which acknowledges the existence of Northern Ireland which is "a demonstration of their vision of a so-called 'new Ireland'".
Following the event in Armagh, which was attended by political leaders from across the island, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Sir Jeffrey said: "At the service in Armagh today there was representation from across the community in Northern Ireland and the nature and content of the service was truly inclusive and reflective of all traditions. Our Church Leaders are to be highly commended for putting together such an uplifting service and our deep appreciation goes to them and to all those who took part.
"It remains a disappointment that the Deputy First Minister felt unable to attend such a service of Reflection and Hope marking Northern Ireland's centenary, where the focus was on reconciliation. I think Sinn Fein yet again misjudged the moment and I hope lessons can be learned from this.
"Sinn Féin's deliberate path in recent months has been to snub any reference, event or token, no matter how large or small which acknowledges the existence of Northern Ireland. Reflecting on Northern Ireland's centenary is not just about the past 100 years, but is about looking to the future also. In that vein Sinn Fein's blocking the lighting of Parliament Buildings for one evening, or refusing to find space for a rose bush within a 200 acre estate highlights not just a stark lack of generosity to others in Northern Ireland but a worrying signpost towards how they view the future.
"One of the striking aspects of the service in Armagh was to see local children outlining their hopes for the future in Northern Ireland. The Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland chose not to listen to them. I will continue to celebrate the centenary of Northern Ireland and the achievements of everyone from our country over the last 100 years. However I recognise that others are more reflective about the creation of Northern Ireland. It is particularly striking that those who talk most loudly of a 'new Ireland' should use today to offer a clear demonstration of what their vision would entail."
Mr Donaldson said that Sinn Féin's approach in recent months had been to snub any reference which acknowledges the existence of Northern Ireland which is "a demonstration of their vision of a so-called 'new Ireland'".
Following the event in Armagh, which was attended by political leaders from across the island, and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Sir Jeffrey said: "At the service in Armagh today there was representation from across the community in Northern Ireland and the nature and content of the service was truly inclusive and reflective of all traditions. Our Church Leaders are to be highly commended for putting together such an uplifting service and our deep appreciation goes to them and to all those who took part.
"It remains a disappointment that the Deputy First Minister felt unable to attend such a service of Reflection and Hope marking Northern Ireland's centenary, where the focus was on reconciliation. I think Sinn Fein yet again misjudged the moment and I hope lessons can be learned from this.
"Sinn Féin's deliberate path in recent months has been to snub any reference, event or token, no matter how large or small which acknowledges the existence of Northern Ireland. Reflecting on Northern Ireland's centenary is not just about the past 100 years, but is about looking to the future also. In that vein Sinn Fein's blocking the lighting of Parliament Buildings for one evening, or refusing to find space for a rose bush within a 200 acre estate highlights not just a stark lack of generosity to others in Northern Ireland but a worrying signpost towards how they view the future.
"One of the striking aspects of the service in Armagh was to see local children outlining their hopes for the future in Northern Ireland. The Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland chose not to listen to them. I will continue to celebrate the centenary of Northern Ireland and the achievements of everyone from our country over the last 100 years. However I recognise that others are more reflective about the creation of Northern Ireland. It is particularly striking that those who talk most loudly of a 'new Ireland' should use today to offer a clear demonstration of what their vision would entail."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 June 2005
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
The 2005 Birthday Honours List for Northern Ireland
The full list of recipients of honours in the 2005 Birthday Honours list for Northern Ireland is as follows: Knighthood: Mr Hugh Orde OBE, Chief Constable, Police Service of Northern Ireland - for services to Northern Ireland. CBE: Mr Robert David Stewart Campbell, Belfast - For Political and public service.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
16 August 2002
Head of Northern Ireland Civil Service named
The man who is to replace Gerry Loughran as the new head of Northern Ireland's 29,000-strong civil service has been named today. Nigel Hamilton, currently Permanent Secretary at the Department of Regional Development is expected to take over his new post on October 1, following the retirement of Mr Loughran.
Head of Northern Ireland Civil Service named
The man who is to replace Gerry Loughran as the new head of Northern Ireland's 29,000-strong civil service has been named today. Nigel Hamilton, currently Permanent Secretary at the Department of Regional Development is expected to take over his new post on October 1, following the retirement of Mr Loughran.
05 April 2002
Police Service of Northern Ireland trainees graduate in style
The first trainees from Northern Ireland’s new police force, recruited on a 50-50 Catholic-Protestant basis, have graduated at an historic ceremony in Belfast. The much talked-about event also showcased the first public use of the uniform, crest and service flag brought in as part of Royal Ulster Constabulary reforms.
Police Service of Northern Ireland trainees graduate in style
The first trainees from Northern Ireland’s new police force, recruited on a 50-50 Catholic-Protestant basis, have graduated at an historic ceremony in Belfast. The much talked-about event also showcased the first public use of the uniform, crest and service flag brought in as part of Royal Ulster Constabulary reforms.
02 November 2022
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
Julian Simmons Launches Lidl's Festive Trolley Dash
Lidl Northern Ireland has teamed up with renowned broadcaster Julian Simmons for the return of its major festive fundraiser Trolley Dash, in aid of charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
