I would also like to place on record my disdain at the politically ignorant statement which was void of any facts from Sinn Fein's Paul Maskey:

"We (Sinn Fein) have a right to show our opposition against the oppression of Britain here, in Afghanistan and Iraq."

I would take issue with a number of points here. Paul, where is this oppression you speak of? Do I sense yet another figment of republican fantasy?

Since he is against the war and the British and coalition forces currently engaged there, I can only conclude that he supports the terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan? For an elected representative to adopt such a position is appalling.

Regardless of whether or not you support the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is wholly appropriate that the people of Northern Ireland are given the opportunity to express their gratitude to those brave men and women of our Armed Forces who put their very lives on the line.

Furthermore, coming up to Remembrance Day, it is wholly significant and appropriate that we remember all those brave men and women who, in a number of conflicts, paid the ultimate price and surrendered their lives.

These are not matters in which to play petty politics and score very cheap political points. Sinn Fein say they want policing and justice devolved. As a first step in the process of devolving those powers, surely it would fair, just, reasonable and appropriate for Sinn Fein to accept the legitimacy of Her Majesty's Forces on the streets of Belfast (which is still part of the United Kingdom) and join us in recognising their valiant service in recent years.

I welcome the Sinn Fein U-turn with anticipation.

As a Belfast resident, I would also take this opportunity to inquire as to whether Belfast's Lord Mayor, Tom Hartley, will be next Sunday? I assume he will join with the majority of the people of Belfast and congratulate our Armed Forces on their safe return home from a successful tour of duty abroad and to remember their colleagues and friends who were not so fortunate?

I assume, in the interests of inclusivity and equality, that on behalf of all the people of Belfast he will be taking the salute from Her Majesty's Armed Forces.

I look forward to an urgent answer on this issue from Belfast City Council.

Stephen Warke
Belfast