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01/07/2002
Maskey lays wreath in tribute to WWI victims
Belfast’s first citizen Alex Maskey has become the first republican lord mayor to lay a wreath in commemoration of those who died in the Battle of the Somme.
This morning Mr Maskey became the first ever Northern Ireland republican representative to mark the deaths of those killed in the First World War.
In a show of party unity, a number of Sinn Féin councillors accompanied Mr Maskey into the garden of remembrance at Belfast City Hall at 9am to lay a laurel wreath.
However, on reaching the Cenotaph, he stepped forward alone and laid the laurel wreath.
Mr Maskey then retreated a few steps before standing for a minute’s silence before departing.
The message on the wreath read: “In memory of all the men who made the supreme sacrifice at the Battle of the Somme and during the First World War and in recognition of the sorrow, suffering and sense of loss of their relatives, friends and comrades, from The Right Hon The Lord Mayor Councillor Alex Maskey.”
After laying the wreath Mr Maskey said: “This is a monumental step. It is a major and significant step for republicans and nationalists on this island.
“I hope that this initiative will be seen at face value and as a positive gesture.”
Mr Maskey however did not take part in the official ceremony held at City Hall later on Monday morning.
(AMcE)
This morning Mr Maskey became the first ever Northern Ireland republican representative to mark the deaths of those killed in the First World War.
In a show of party unity, a number of Sinn Féin councillors accompanied Mr Maskey into the garden of remembrance at Belfast City Hall at 9am to lay a laurel wreath.
However, on reaching the Cenotaph, he stepped forward alone and laid the laurel wreath.
Mr Maskey then retreated a few steps before standing for a minute’s silence before departing.
The message on the wreath read: “In memory of all the men who made the supreme sacrifice at the Battle of the Somme and during the First World War and in recognition of the sorrow, suffering and sense of loss of their relatives, friends and comrades, from The Right Hon The Lord Mayor Councillor Alex Maskey.”
After laying the wreath Mr Maskey said: “This is a monumental step. It is a major and significant step for republicans and nationalists on this island.
“I hope that this initiative will be seen at face value and as a positive gesture.”
Mr Maskey however did not take part in the official ceremony held at City Hall later on Monday morning.
(AMcE)
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