SINN FÉIN and the SDLP are at loggerheads over the design of a stained glass window proposed for installation at the Guildhall to commemorate those who died on Bloody Sunday.
Some of the families of those who died have objected to one of the four panes of glass.
The SDLP motion passed a motion at Derry City Council which will allow for three of the agreed panes to be installed.
Sinn Féin councillor Barney O’Hagan said the window had been “completely redesigned” by the SDLP.
“Two years ago it was agreed that the Bloody Sunday Trust would be the conduit to represent the wishes of the families and that they would work together with the design team,” he said.
“A couple of the families then said they weren’t included in the consultation but this was rejected by the trust and so the window gained the support of Sinn Fein and the majority of families. The SDLP also agreed until yesterday when they unilaterally redesigned the window.
“We were totally surprised by that move.”
SDLP councillor Gerard Diver insisted: “The issue is with the background of the fourth pane which is a photograph taken on the 15 June 2010 when the Saville results were announced.
“There is clearly a minority of people who are distressed at what’s being depicted and I don’t think pitching one group of relatives against the other is something council should be doing.
“75% of the windows will still go ahead, with the fourth panel being redesigned and installed on an interim basis until broad agreement can be made.”
A spokesperson for Derry City Council said: “Following a vote taken at a meeting of full council, the majority of members voted in favour of the SDLP’s proposal to explore the option of installing three of the panels, with a view to redesigning and installing the fourth panel at a later stage, after further consultation with all the families to gain full consensus on a design.”
Tags:
