Sinn Fein take part in Stormont tree planting ceremony for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Sinn Fein took part in a ceremony at Stormont today to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 14th Mar 2022, 16:53 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Speaker of the NI Assembly Alex Maskey has originally been due to preside over the tree planting event but, following a positive test for Covid-19 he had to pull out.

Sinn Fein did however have MLA John O’Dowd in attendance to take part in the ceremony.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the speaker’s absence, DUP’s William Humphrey, chairman of the Assembly’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch, opened the event and UUP’s Robbie Butler spoke on behalf of the Assembly Commission.

Chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch William Humphrey and Northern Ireland Assembly Commission Member Robbie Butler at the tree planting event at Stormont. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.Chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch William Humphrey and Northern Ireland Assembly Commission Member Robbie Butler at the tree planting event at Stormont. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch William Humphrey and Northern Ireland Assembly Commission Member Robbie Butler at the tree planting event at Stormont. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

They were joined by members of the CPA Branch Executive Committee and members of the NI Assembly Commission including Alliance MLA John Blair and SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly to plant the Silver Birch tree at the east side of Parliament Buildings.

The Commonwealth Day Reception also featured a blend of music and dance performances from Africa and Asia.

Mr Maskey said: “I regret that I was unable to lead this event in person but I am glad that today the Assembly had the opportunity to formally mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is extremely positive that the Assembly Branch of the CPA, the Assembly Commission and all parties have agreed to this initiative and I want to thank them all for their support.

Chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch, William Humphrey with performers at an event held in Parliament Buildings to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2022. Pictured: L-r: Dona Das Gupta (South Asian Dance Academy), Wilson Magwere (playing the Djembe Drum), Chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch, William Humphrey MBE MLA, Matthew Wilson (Campbell College Pipes and Drums) and Leyla Gailius (South Asian Dance Academy). Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press EyeChairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch, William Humphrey with performers at an event held in Parliament Buildings to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2022. Pictured: L-r: Dona Das Gupta (South Asian Dance Academy), Wilson Magwere (playing the Djembe Drum), Chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch, William Humphrey MBE MLA, Matthew Wilson (Campbell College Pipes and Drums) and Leyla Gailius (South Asian Dance Academy). Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch, William Humphrey with performers at an event held in Parliament Buildings to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2022. Pictured: L-r: Dona Das Gupta (South Asian Dance Academy), Wilson Magwere (playing the Djembe Drum), Chairman of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch, William Humphrey MBE MLA, Matthew Wilson (Campbell College Pipes and Drums) and Leyla Gailius (South Asian Dance Academy). Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

“I recognise that the planting of this tree is important to the unionist community. For others it is also fitting for the Assembly to demonstrate its respect given the significant contribution the Queen has made to political progress here when so much has changed over the last seventy years in our community and the wider world.”

Mr Humphrey thanked the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission for agreeing to the request to plant a tree in the grounds of Parliament Buildings to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

He said: “My colleagues and I were delighted to take part in the ceremony, and to see our own tree planted as part of the ‘Queen’s Green Canopy’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II continues to be a cherished and inspirational figure across the Commonwealth.

“It has been an important opportunity for us to reflect on and recognise her tireless service and dedication, as well as the significant contribution she has made towards building peace and reconciliation.

“I have no doubt that this birch tree will serve as a lasting and respectful tribute to Her Majesty, in this her Platinum Jubilee year.”

Sinn Fein has previously rejected a unionist proposal for a commemorative stone at Stormont to mark Northern Ireland’s centenary.

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Ben Lowry

Editor

Related topics:QueenJohn O'DowdSinn Fein