Stormont's Shameful Concealing of History
04 October 2011
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Much was made of the fact that Stormont was being opened up for tours last summer. Speaker William Hay commented at the time that this was because the “building belongs to the people of Northern Ireland and we are keen to share its history and beauty with as many people as we can”.
“It would seem, however, that there is some of the history of Parliament Buildings which the powers that be are not so keen on sharing.
“Just outside the Assembly Chamber there is a memorial to Sir Norman Stronge, a decorated First World War soldier who fought at the Somme and went on to become Speaker of the Northern Ireland Commons, a position he held for 23 years.
“Sir Norman was murdered by the IRA at his home in 1981. He was 86.
“Also commemorated is Edgar Graham. The inscription bears repetition: “Shot by terrorists on 7th December 1983. Keep alive the light of justice”.
“After obtaining a copy of the official script for the tour I asked the Assembly Commission why it made no reference to these memorial tablets. I also asked if the script would be amended to include reference to the memorials.
“The response of the Commission makes it clear that there is no interest in reminding visitors who avail of the official tour of the blood soaked history of Republicanism.
“This is a shameful attempt to concealing the true history of Stormont and gives an insight into how victims of terrorism are regarded at by the Assembly – ignored in order to spare the blushes of those who now occupy positions round the cabinet table.”
Note to editors: Mr Allister’s question and the reply received were as follows:
To ask the Assembly Commission why the script used for official tours of Parliament Buildings has no reference to the memorial tablets to former Members who were murdered by the IRA; and if it will amend the script to include a reference to the memorials.
The aim of the tour of Parliament Buildings is to provide an insight into the day to day procedural work of the Northern Ireland Assembly. In addition the tour also aims to highlight the building’s architecture and history of usage. As the duration of the tour is only 45 minutes it is not possible to cover every aspect of the procedural work, architecture and history of usage, however if a Member wishes a tour to incorporate particular features in more detail then this request is normally accommodated.
The tour regulations were reviewed and approved by the Assembly Commission in 2001.
