English Queen a Symbol of the Past-Nugent

English Queen a Symbol of the Past-Nugent

The English queen is a symbol of the past who should not be invited to Cork City, Sinn Féin councillor Mick Nugent said tonight. Cllr Nugent also criticised the Lord Mayor for extending an invitation to the British monarch without consulting the council.

Cllr Nugent said:

"The English queen is a symbol of the past. The British monarchy is based on values of hierarchy, inequality and deference which have no place in a modern republic. I see no reason why this feudal relic should be invited to Cork, or feted at taxpayers' expense by the Lord Mayor."

"Elizabeth Windsor is head of the British armed forces which are responsible for atrocities in Ireland including the Dublin and Monaghan Bombings and Bloody Sunday – acts for which she has never apologised. She still claims to be monarch of a part of our country. Bizarrely, it remains the case that no Catholic can ascend the English throne."

"It is disgraceful that the Lord Mayor, acting in his role as first citizen representing the people of this city, should have invited the English queen to Cork without consulting the council. Contrary to the impression he gave on radio this morning, members of the council were not informed beforehand and had no opportunity to object."

"The British monarch should not be invited to Cork and, if she comes, she should not be welcomed."

For further information or comment, phone Mick Nugent @ 087-6755793