Sinn Féin support Jubilee plans
Sinn Féin councillors in Belfast have agreed to back civic celebration plans for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in the city.
The decision by the Sinn Féin group on the council to support the celebrations is tied in with other upcoming anniversary celebrations which the Party says should be treated by everyone in a balanced fashion.
Sinn Féin councillor Jim McVeigh said: “There’s an important decade of centenaries, not just the Jubilee, but 1916, approaching in the next few years.
“All of the parties in the council including Sinn Féin have agreed that we need to approach every single one of them in a balanced and measured way.
“We’ve supported what we think are these relatively modest proposals around the Jubilee in the context of commemorating 1916 and 1913 – all these important commemorations and anniversaries.”
Events planned for the Diamond Jubilee in the city include a tea dance at the Ulster Hall, a special Sunday lunch at the City Hall and the planting of commemorative trees.
A beacon will also be lit on top of Cave Hill in north Belfast.
DUP Deputy Lord Mayor Ruth Paterson said: “We support St. Patrick’s Day, that again is a cross-community event and those that want to enjoy that day do so with the help of Belfast City council grant schemes so I welcome Sinn Féin’s support for the celebrations that are going to happen later this year.”
It is predicted the celebrations, which will include grants for community based celebrations, will cost up to £60,000.
