Lisburn and Castlereagh Council sets up group to plan for coronation of King Charles III despite 'cost of living' opposition from Sinn Fein

The Northern Ireland residency of King Charles III is to create a special celebration group ahead of the monarch’s coronation despite opposition from Sinn Fein.The request was made at the full council meeting of Lisburn and Castlereagh City (LCCC) this week. The council group will be in a position to consider funding for street parties as well as official council celebrations for the new King across the district including his local residency of Royal Hillsborough.

However, those against the motion raised concerns over the cost of living crisis and where the finances would be found for the celebrations next May.Sinn Fein Killultagh councillor, Gary McCleave raising his objections said: “As republicans, our position with the monarchy has been well documented, but we are concerned that at a time when people are going through a cost of living crisis, that we should not be looking the ratepayers to foot more bills.

“There was a large sum of money already spent on the jubilee (Queen Elizabeth II’s).“People are really struggling and having to go to foodbanks.“If parts of the community want to celebrate the coronation that’s fine, but don’t force all the ratepayers to pay for it.”

The successful DUP motion by Cllr Sharon Skillen will now generate a working group to allocate and record finances for a community celebration of the British monarch taking the Throne next yearThe Castlereagh East rep said: “The motion passed at the council with cross-party support from all apart from Sinn Fein.“This will not be the same as Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in terms of spend.

“At the moment there is no commitment to any finances in the motion and the group will either fall under the responsibility of the leisure or corporate committee.“The fact that Hillsborough was given the Royal status as the Northern Ireland residency to the monarchy is something that many people feel blessed to have.“It is only right that we begin plans for King Charles III’s coronation, as we don’t know what way things will be come next May and that includes considering the cost of living crisis.”