DUP invite Queen to address Stormont assembly

DUP assembly member Maurice Morrow has taken the opportunity during a Northern Ireland assembly debate to issue a call for the Queen to address the chamber as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The invitation was immediately criticised by Sinn Féin members who said that it was 'divisive' and that Mr Morrow was indulging in 'electioneering'.

Refuting Sinn Féin suggestions, the DUP assembly member said: "I happen to believe there are countless numbers of Roman Catholics who have absolutely no problem whatsoever with the Queen coming to this part of the United Kingdom.

"I didn't set out to offend anyone and I don't think anyone should be offended in anyway if in fact Her Majesty does come and address the Assembly."

The anniversary of the Queen's 50th year on the throne passed on February 6 and was marked in Hillsborough Castle by a 21-gun salute. However, the anniversary itself is not celebrated by the Queen as it marks the day King George died from lung cancer.

The Queen's next visit to Northern Ireland will be on February 10 at Armagh's Church of Ireland Cathedral to attend a service led by Archbishop Robin Eames.

Return in May for the week-long festival in Enniskillen, the Queen will also attend a balloon race in Belfast at the end of the month. As her itinerary stands at the moment, the Queen's last engagement in the province is on June 29 at a Zulu dance display in Dromore.

In an online message to the commonwealth, the Queen wrote: "I hope also that this time of celebration in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth will not simply be an occasion to be nostalgic about the past.

"I believe that, young or old, we have as much to look forward to with confidence and hope as we have to look back on with pride. I send my warmest good wishes to you all."

The Queen will visit the other devolved assemblies in Wales and Scotland later on in the year.

(GMcG)