West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Words Derry and Strabane must be in name of new Council-Sinn Féin

Published: 11 November, 2008

Sinn Fein wants the words Derry and Strabane to be the core components of the name of the new enlarged Council when both districts amalgamate in 2011. Sinn Féin is also pressing for the Irish language version of the name of the new Council to be officially recognised.

The Boundary Commission has been consulting on proposed names for the 11 new Council areas that have been recommended as part of the Review of Public Administration with this consultation closing tomorrow (Wednesday 12 November).

As Sinn Fein on Derry City and Strabane District Councils make a joint submission to the body on the name issue, Cllr Brian Mc Mahon and Cllr Maeve Mc Laughlin, party group leaders on both Councils issued a joint statement saying, .

"We strongly believe that the words Derry and Strabane must be in the title name of the Council.

"Naming the new Council after one or two geographical features would not reflect the totality of the new Council area as there are no geographical features common to the entire area.

"The term "North West Regional Council," as proposed by the DUP's Gregory Campbell is not only geographically incorrect given that Donegal is not included, but like any other such bland geographical term, it would serve to diminish the sense of belonging and sense of place that is so important to people.

"We therefore believe that the retention of the words Derry and Strabane in the name of the new Council is essential to ensure that equal recognition is given to the local identity of people in each of the 40 electoral wards in the new Council area.

"In our submission to the Boundary Commission we are also pressing for equal recognition to be given to the Irish Language version of the official name of the new Council." ENDS