A nationalist councillor in Northern Ireland, who initially argued that a commemorative plaque mentioning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be restored, has U-turned on his position and now backs its permanent removal, according to his party.
Pat Catney of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) had previously urged Lisburn and Castlereagh Council officials to reinstate the plaque, maintaining that the historical record should not be altered.
“In my view, the original plaque should be reinstated as it was first presented,” Mr Catney, a former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Ireland, wrote in correspondence with council officials.
However, an SDLP spokesman confirmed that Mr Catney has since “clarified his position” and “believes the plaque should be permanently removed”.
Northern Irish councillor executes U-turn on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor position
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The plaque beneath a yew tree in Lisburn marked the occasion when Mr Mountbatten-Windsor planted it in 2009 to commemorate the city’s 400th anniversary.
Council officials removed the memorial before Christmas as further details emerged regarding the former prince’s connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
In February, Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office but he was subsequently released under investigation. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
When council officials sought suggestions from councillors about how to acknowledge the tree’s significance whilst recognising “particular sensitivities”, Mr Catney responded that the event “formed part of the city’s history at that time”.
Pat Catney (right) at the funeral of former Northern Ireland first minister and UUP leader David Trimble
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He added: “I believe it is important that we do not attempt to alter or rewrite that historical record after the fact.”
Alliance Party councillor Claire Kemp challenged Mr Catney to explain his “rationale” for initially wanting the plaque restored.
She stated that numerous residents had voiced “deep unease at anything honouring Andrew Mountbatten”.
Ms Kemp acknowledged that Lisburn and Castlereagh maintain a proud relationship with the Royal Family, but insisted the council acted correctly in removing the memorial.
Andrew was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office | REUTERS
Andrew has been largely absent from royal life since 2019
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REUTERSThe SDLP spokesman emphasised that the party had opposed tributes to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor since the Epstein scandal first emerged and was “among the first to call for their removal”.
“Our thoughts are with all the victims of Epstein and those associated with him,” the spokesman added.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council confirmed the mount has been removed during a site tidy-up with no plans for replacement.