Republican mayor to lay wreath to war dead
Belfast’s Mayor Alex Maskey was due to break new political ground today by becoming the first Irish republican to lay a wreath in memory of those killed in a First World War battle.
Despite some opposition within republicanism, Mr Maskey will place a laurel wreath at Belfast City Hall Cenotaph at 9am in memory of those killed in the Battle of the Somme.
However the Sinn Fein mayor will not take part in the official ceremony two hours later at City Hall.
Mr Maskey said he was laying the wreath ‘‘in memory of and tribute to all the men who made the supreme sacrifice at the Battle of the Somme and during the First World War.
‘‘My initiative on this issue is equally in recognition of the sorrow, hurt and suffering left behind for their relatives, friends and comrades.
‘‘My objective, beyond this, is to seek to identify common ground for all of us in this generation.’’
Republicans have been uncomfortable about playing any part in Somme commemorations because of their opposition to the army and the use of British flags and emblems.
Mr Maskey, who was elected mayor last month, said he no intention of impeding or competing with the official council commemoration later today by laying his own wreath.
The Mayor has also announced plans to organise a civic commemoration for all the Somme dead.
