Northern Ireland Centenary Stone: Reports that unionists may disagree on where to place monument at Stormont

It appears that unionists may disagree later this month when they come to discuss where to locate the ceremonial stone marking one hundred years since the creation of Northern Ireland.
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By Philip Bradfield
Published 6th Jun 2023, 16:51 BST

A proposal for the Centenary Stone sparked a row in the Assembly in 2021 – the year of the region’s centenary – when Sinn Fein opposed the proposal.However, it was passed by the Assembly Commission earlier this year after the Sinn Fein representative – John O’Dowd stood down to become a minister.

Sinn Fein was unable to replace him due to the collapse of the Executive.

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The stone has been paid for by the unionist parties at Stormont.

A ceremonial stone to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary is expected to be sited in the Stormont estate later this summer, unionist leaders have said.A ceremonial stone to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary is expected to be sited in the Stormont estate later this summer, unionist leaders have said.
A ceremonial stone to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary is expected to be sited in the Stormont estate later this summer, unionist leaders have said.

In a joint statement on Monday evening, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, UUP leader Doug Beattie and TUV Leader Jim Allister, said work on the stone has been completed.

“We welcome the fact that work on the centenary stone which was commissioned and will be paid for by Stormont’s Unionist parties has now been completed,” they said.

“The Northern Ireland Assembly Commission which approved a proposal to erect the stone in the grounds of Stormont, will meet later this month to decide precisely where it will be sited.

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“It is both right and fitting that such an historic milestone in the life of Northern Ireland is marked at Stormont.

The plinth for the ceremonial stone to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary.The plinth for the ceremonial stone to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary.
The plinth for the ceremonial stone to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary.

“We look forward to a public unveiling of the centenary stone later this summer.”

It is understood the commission – which includes members of the DUP, UUP, SDLP and Alliance, will discuss where to locate the stone when it meets on 21 June.

However, according to sources, it appears unionists disagree on where it should go.

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It is understood some believe it should be placed on the west side of Parliament Buildings, because the tomb of Lord Craigavon is located on the opposite side, and they do not want to set a precedent by placing it "on the front lawn".

However it is also understood that other unionists believe it should be located near Lord Craigavon's tomb, on the east side, as this is already well curated.

The commission, a body which continues to function to manage Stormont’s property, staff and services, passed the proposal in February.