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Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Sinn Féin 'concerned' at removal of President Higgins portrait in Belfast
The DUP has yet to reveal the whereabouts of a portrait of President Michael D. Higgins that was removed from a wall in the Belfast Lord Mayor's City Hall offices. Sinn Féin now say they are 'concerned' at the removal of the portrait, which hung on a wall beside a portrait of King Charles in a room on the first floor of City Hall used for meetings and receptions. The location of the artwork is yet to be revealed, Belfast Live reports. The party has now asked the new Belfast Lord Mayor, DUP Councillor Tracy Kelly where the portrait is, as well as 'what message' was being sent by removing it. Back in 2011, Sinn Féin stirred controversy after removing pictures of the Queen and Prince Charles during their tenure as mayor, erecting a portrait of the United Irishmen and an image of the 1916 Easter Rising Proclamation of the Irish Republic instead. Former mayor and Sinn Féin Councillor Ryan Murphy, spoke at the meeting, held on Tuesday night, of the full Belfast Council. After congratulating the Lord Mayor on the birth of his child, Councillor Murphy said: 'I want to commend you on the first weeks in office, I think we have seen you hit the ground running. 'You have been out in all four corners of the city of Belfast, even representing the city at an international level in the New York New Belfast events. The role of the mayor really is an important one for the city - it is able to highlight worthy causes. 'But it is a role that is held in very high esteem and high regard from the citizens of Belfast. That is felt no more so than in our ethnic communities, and I want to commend you on the events you took part in Refugee Week, when you went to the Big Picnic. 'To see that taking place, especially in the aftermath of the attacks, where a lot of ethnic minorities across Belfast were targeted, that has been welcomed.' He added: 'But at the same time, the role of Lord Mayor is one that the Belfast people take ownership of. It's a position where all the people feel you are the person that represents them. 'That is done in your deeds, when you are out in the city, but also when you are in the offices. And the Mayor's offices, for me it was about opening them up to the city of Belfast, and letting the people know it was theirs, that it was somewhere where they belonged, that they could also feel part of. 'That was even done through the stuff that was on the walls. When our representatives have been in the position of Mayor, there were certain things we never took off the walls. There were certain things we felt were off-limits. 'And so when we were offered the royal portrait of the British King Charles, we accepted it, and we put it up alongside the Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael and we marked it with a small event at the Mayor's office. For us it is concerning that in recent weeks we have seen that portrait is no longer there. 'And we would ask, where is that portrait? And what kind of message does it send out to people in this city who hold the President of Ireland in high regard?' 'That has been noted, thanks Ryan,' the Lord Mayor then replied. A DUP spokesperson later said: "Decoration of the lord mayor's parlour is not yet complete. There will be further artefacts to be added in the next few weeks."
The Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Portrait of Michael D Higgins removed from office of DUP lord mayor of Belfast
THE LORD MAYOR of Belfast was unable to offer an explanation when she was quizzed on the whereabouts of a portrait of President Michael D Higgins. For over a year, portraits of Britain's King Charles and President Higgins have sat side by side on a wall in the lord mayor's parlour in Belfast City Hall. Former lord mayor and Sinn Féin councillor Ryan Murphy pictured last year in the parlour, with both portraits visible in the background Ryan Murphy Ryan Murphy The parlour is a formal room on the first floor of Belfast City Hall and is used for meetings, receptions and special occasions. Last week, the current lord mayor and DUP councillor Tracy Kelly posted a picture to social media of her hosting members of 'Orangefest' in the parlour. However, only the portrait of Charles was visible and the portrait of President Higgins was removed. Tracy Kelly with members of 'Orangefest' in the lord mayor's parlour Tracy Kelly Tracy Kelly Kelly became lord mayor of Belfast last month. In doing so, she became the eight woman to hold the role and the first woman from the DUP to be elected to the office. At a Belfast City Council meeting last night, former lord mayor of Belfast and Sinn Féin councillor Ryan Murphy praised Kelly for her work in the role so far. 'You've been out in all four corners of the city,' said Murphy. Advertisement He also praised Kelly for taking part in Refugee Week and remarked that this was 'really welcome'. However, he added that the lord mayor has to 'represent' everyone and that this is done 'by your deeds when you're out in the city, but also in terms of the mayor's office'. He said people need to 'feel part' of the mayor's office and that this is 'even done through the stuff that was on the walls'. 'When our representatives have been in that position, there were certain things that we never took off walls, certain things that we felt were off limits,' said Murphy. 'When we were offered the royal portrait of the British King Charles [In March 2024], we accepted it and we put it up alongside Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D Higgins, and we marked it with a small event in the mayor's office. 'It's concerning that we've seen in recent weeks that that portrait is no longer there. 'Where is that portrait and what kind of message does it send out for the people in this city who hold the President of Ireland in high regard.' However, no explanation was forthcoming of what had happened to the portrait, with Kelly responding: 'Thank you, that's being noted.' A DUP spokesperson told The Journal that the 'decoration of the lord mayor's parlour is not yet complete' and that 'further artefacts' will be added 'in the next few weeks'. It is not the first time there has been controversy over portraits in the lord mayor's parlour. In 2011, then Sinn Fein lord mayor of Belfast Niall Ó Donnghaile removed portraits of then Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth. These were replaced with the 1916 proclamation and a portrait of the United Irishmen. And last October, the PSNI investigated damage caused to a portrait of former DUP Lord Mayor Wallace Browne at Belfast City Hall . Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Cambrian News
24-06-2025
- General
- Cambrian News
Refugee friendship quilt weaves new connections in Aberystwyth
Co-organiser Dr Naji Bakti, a Lebanese author, lecturer in Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University, and coordinator of the Creative Community project said: 'At our Refugee Week event in 2024, we explored the concerns, priorities and needs of refugee communities in Aberystwyth, and heard the strong desire for more opportunities to engage in collective creative practice, and to connect to our surrounding environment. The Friendship Quilt weaves these together through a creative celebration of community and nature, and complements the other activities we've delivered over the past year including embroidery, photography, woodland crafts and surfing. We're looking forward to supporting service providers and policy makers in engaging in similar approaches, to ensure that community cohesion initiatives are led by the priorities of refugee communities themselves.'
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
'Great loss': community shock at death of Newcastle councillor
The City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast to mourn the shock death of Greens councillor Sinead Francis-Coan. Cr Francis-Coan died on Monday after a short illness. She was 40. Cr Francis-Coan was elected to ward three for the City of Newcastle council in October and worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge said she was a passionate advocate for the community. "I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world," Cr Kerridge told the Newcastle Herald. "She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour. "She took to being a ward councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community. "It's a great loss for the council." Within the council, Cr Francis-Coan served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee. Cr Kerridge said she was a strong advocate for the youth of Newcastle and the arts. "Obviously, as a Green, she was concerned about environmental and social issues and theatre, particularly for our young people, and venues for young people," he said. "She was very keen to pursue openings for venues for young people like The Loft, which we used to have in Newcastle. "She wanted to open things like that in Lambton and Wallsend, and we talked about that as a project we could work jointly on." It is understood that Cr Francis-Coan was unwell at last Tuesday night's council meeting. Council CEO Jeremy Bath praised her commitment to serving Newcastle and fighting for those less fortunate. "Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a councillor last week, including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about," Mr Bath said. Former Greens councillor Michael Osborne described Cr Francis-Coan as a "fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague" and said he and his party members were shocked. "Sinead was a dedicated and committed councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting," Mr Osborne said. "Sinead's integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Sinead's family and loved ones. "We stand together with all who will honour Sinead's legacy and memory." Cr Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend in the NSW election, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote. Cr Francis-Coan's opponent at that election, Labor Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, paid tribute to her community advocacy. "She was my opponent in the 2019 election and despite political differences, I have nothing but kind words for her," Ms Hornery said. "Sinead was a very warm-hearted person who was always kind, generous and respectful in her dealings with people. "She was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but had a way of communicating with others that conveyed goodwill and warmth." Cr Francis-Coan is survived by her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara. The City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast to mourn the shock death of Greens councillor Sinead Francis-Coan. Cr Francis-Coan died on Monday after a short illness. She was 40. Cr Francis-Coan was elected to ward three for the City of Newcastle council in October and worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge said she was a passionate advocate for the community. "I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world," Cr Kerridge told the Newcastle Herald. "She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour. "She took to being a ward councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community. "It's a great loss for the council." Within the council, Cr Francis-Coan served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee. Cr Kerridge said she was a strong advocate for the youth of Newcastle and the arts. "Obviously, as a Green, she was concerned about environmental and social issues and theatre, particularly for our young people, and venues for young people," he said. "She was very keen to pursue openings for venues for young people like The Loft, which we used to have in Newcastle. "She wanted to open things like that in Lambton and Wallsend, and we talked about that as a project we could work jointly on." It is understood that Cr Francis-Coan was unwell at last Tuesday night's council meeting. Council CEO Jeremy Bath praised her commitment to serving Newcastle and fighting for those less fortunate. "Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a councillor last week, including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about," Mr Bath said. Former Greens councillor Michael Osborne described Cr Francis-Coan as a "fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague" and said he and his party members were shocked. "Sinead was a dedicated and committed councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting," Mr Osborne said. "Sinead's integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Sinead's family and loved ones. "We stand together with all who will honour Sinead's legacy and memory." Cr Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend in the NSW election, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote. Cr Francis-Coan's opponent at that election, Labor Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, paid tribute to her community advocacy. "She was my opponent in the 2019 election and despite political differences, I have nothing but kind words for her," Ms Hornery said. "Sinead was a very warm-hearted person who was always kind, generous and respectful in her dealings with people. "She was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but had a way of communicating with others that conveyed goodwill and warmth." Cr Francis-Coan is survived by her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara. The City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast to mourn the shock death of Greens councillor Sinead Francis-Coan. Cr Francis-Coan died on Monday after a short illness. She was 40. Cr Francis-Coan was elected to ward three for the City of Newcastle council in October and worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge said she was a passionate advocate for the community. "I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world," Cr Kerridge told the Newcastle Herald. "She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour. "She took to being a ward councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community. "It's a great loss for the council." Within the council, Cr Francis-Coan served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee. Cr Kerridge said she was a strong advocate for the youth of Newcastle and the arts. "Obviously, as a Green, she was concerned about environmental and social issues and theatre, particularly for our young people, and venues for young people," he said. "She was very keen to pursue openings for venues for young people like The Loft, which we used to have in Newcastle. "She wanted to open things like that in Lambton and Wallsend, and we talked about that as a project we could work jointly on." It is understood that Cr Francis-Coan was unwell at last Tuesday night's council meeting. Council CEO Jeremy Bath praised her commitment to serving Newcastle and fighting for those less fortunate. "Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a councillor last week, including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about," Mr Bath said. Former Greens councillor Michael Osborne described Cr Francis-Coan as a "fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague" and said he and his party members were shocked. "Sinead was a dedicated and committed councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting," Mr Osborne said. "Sinead's integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Sinead's family and loved ones. "We stand together with all who will honour Sinead's legacy and memory." Cr Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend in the NSW election, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote. Cr Francis-Coan's opponent at that election, Labor Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, paid tribute to her community advocacy. "She was my opponent in the 2019 election and despite political differences, I have nothing but kind words for her," Ms Hornery said. "Sinead was a very warm-hearted person who was always kind, generous and respectful in her dealings with people. "She was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but had a way of communicating with others that conveyed goodwill and warmth." Cr Francis-Coan is survived by her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara. The City of Newcastle will lower its flags to half-mast to mourn the shock death of Greens councillor Sinead Francis-Coan. Cr Francis-Coan died on Monday after a short illness. She was 40. Cr Francis-Coan was elected to ward three for the City of Newcastle council in October and worked as an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle. Newcastle lord mayor Ross Kerridge said she was a passionate advocate for the community. "I admired her thoughtful contributions and generally positive, honest and optimistic view of the world," Cr Kerridge told the Newcastle Herald. "She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour. "She took to being a ward councillor like a duck to water and she was hard-working for the community and was obviously really enjoying being a councillor and addressing issues for the community. "It's a great loss for the council." Within the council, Cr Francis-Coan served on the Youth Council Standing Committee, the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, and the Access Inclusion Standing Committee. Cr Kerridge said she was a strong advocate for the youth of Newcastle and the arts. "Obviously, as a Green, she was concerned about environmental and social issues and theatre, particularly for our young people, and venues for young people," he said. "She was very keen to pursue openings for venues for young people like The Loft, which we used to have in Newcastle. "She wanted to open things like that in Lambton and Wallsend, and we talked about that as a project we could work jointly on." It is understood that Cr Francis-Coan was unwell at last Tuesday night's council meeting. Council CEO Jeremy Bath praised her commitment to serving Newcastle and fighting for those less fortunate. "Despite feeling unwell, she continued to perform her duties as a councillor last week, including attending events for Refugee Week, and the nighttime economy, as well as meeting with constituents, reflecting her unwavering commitment to the causes she cared about," Mr Bath said. Former Greens councillor Michael Osborne described Cr Francis-Coan as a "fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague" and said he and his party members were shocked. "Sinead was a dedicated and committed councillor whose selfless work for the broader community was unstinting," Mr Osborne said. "Sinead's integrity and service has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working with her. This tragic loss is felt deeply by our members and wider party, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Sinead's family and loved ones. "We stand together with all who will honour Sinead's legacy and memory." Cr Francis-Coan and her family moved to Newcastle when she was six months old. She attended Jesmond's Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow. In 2019, she ran for the seat of Wallsend in the NSW election, where she received 9.3 per cent of the vote. Cr Francis-Coan's opponent at that election, Labor Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery, paid tribute to her community advocacy. "She was my opponent in the 2019 election and despite political differences, I have nothing but kind words for her," Ms Hornery said. "Sinead was a very warm-hearted person who was always kind, generous and respectful in her dealings with people. "She was a fierce advocate for the things she believed in, but had a way of communicating with others that conveyed goodwill and warmth." Cr Francis-Coan is survived by her mother, Lyndall, and sisters Roisin and Ciara.
Powys County Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Empathetic Powys pupils highlight plight of refugees
SIX pupils from the New Start Centre in Brecon are celebrating a remarkable achievement after receiving prizes and certificates in a regional creative competition marking Refugee Week. Austin A'Hern, Logan Taylor-Saunders, Finn Morgan, Sophie Elverson, Jacob Wall, and Charlie Couzens were all recognised in the Safe Passage competition, organised by the Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees. The initiative aims to raise awareness and promote compassion through education and community engagement. This year's competition invited local pupils to interpret the theme of Safe Passage through a range of creative formats, including poetry, visual art, journalism, and short film. With more than 520 entries submitted from schools across the area, it is a notable accomplishment that every entrant from the New Start Centre received recognition. This outcome reflects both the high standard of work produced by the pupils and the supportive educational environment in which their creativity is encouraged to flourish. Austin and Logan impressed judges with their powerful and thought-provoking artwork, while Finn, Sophie, Jacob, and Charlie collaborated on a moving and imaginative poem. Their poem has earned them a special invitation to perform at the competition's prestigious presentation evening. Their entries will also be featured in an exhibition of prize-winning work at Hay Castle until June 30. Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: 'This is a truly inspiring accomplishment by the pupils of the New Start Centre. Their success in the 'Safe Passage' competition is a testament not only to their creativity and empathy, but also to the nurturing environment fostered by the school. 'It's heartening to see young people engaging so thoughtfully with such an important theme, and I congratulate each and every one of them.'
