Statement by TUV North Belfast representative Ron McMcDowell:
“In the ongoing discussion about how to mark the centenary of the foundation of Northern Ireland the recent decision to light Belfast City Hall red and white to mark the 40th anniversary of the Solidarity movement is not without significance.
“Solidarity did not choose these colours by accident. They were officially adopted as the Polish national colours in the 19th century, having been associated with the country since the Middle Ages and the Polish flag today is, of course, red and white. It is right and proper that we should remember the role of Solidarity in breaking the chains of Soviet oppression in Eastern Europe. Furthermore, given the role which Viscount Castlereagh played in calling for an independent Poland at the Congress of Vienna in 1814 and the UK’s decision to go to war with Nazi Germany after Hitler invaded Poland it is fitting that we should remember the links which bind our nations.
“It is also worthy of note that this sets a precedent for lighting City Hall in national colours on important anniversaries. This is particularly important because next year marks 100 years since the birth of Northern Ireland. This is not just the birthday of Northern Ireland but the birthday of the United Kingdom as currently constituted.
“Having set the precedent of lighting City Hall to mark an important anniversary for Poland I look forward to Alliance giving their equally wholehearted suggestion, which has been officially put forward by Belfast TUV, that City Hall be illuminated in red, white and blue to mark not 40 but 100 years of our position as members of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”