Belfast dithers over signing up to titanic tribute

Local & National

Friday, August 17, 2007

By Ben Bailey

A row has erupted over Belfast's lack of involvement in a joint European partnership to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

The Belfast Telegraph has learned that Belfast - the city in which the ship was built - has yet to decide whether or not to join the 2012 European commemorations.

Southampton, Liverpool, Halifax (Nova Scotia) New York, Cherbourg and most recently Cobh, Co Cork, have all signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly honour the 1,513 people who lost their lives aboard the vessel.

Belfast Titanic Society said the event was not a priority for them and Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers has warned the event could have large financial implications.

However, DUP MP Sammy Wilson hit back, saying it is important for Belfast to take part and added that if the city is not involved then the quality of the celebrations would be "diminished".

Some had expected Belfast to lead the commemorations, as the ship was built in Belfast by Harland and Wolff.

Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers said the council has not ruled out the possibility of joining the commemorations but added that many issues have to be considered first.

"We asked for more details as there was insufficient information for us to make a decision that could possibly have large financial implications for the city of Belfast," said councillor Rodgers.

He added: "In the past we have seen other places hijack the name of the Titanic. We want to consult with the Belfast Titanic Society and other interested parties and once we have more information a report will be put before the Belfast City Council's Development Committee and a decision will be made."

Una Reilly, chairperson of the Belfast Titanic Society, claimed that the European Partnership was not her first priority.

She said: " Currently all our efforts are focussed on producing a successful bid for the Titanic Signature Project for which we are working alongside the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Belfast City Council, and the Belfast Harbour Commissioners."

The Titanic Signature Project is currently working on a £25m bid to secure lottery funding to dedicate part of the Titanic Quarter in Belfast docks to the famous vessel.

Ms Reilly added: "Our aim is to put Belfast well and truly on the Titanic map. We are not sure about the European partnership."

However, Sammy Wilson MP said: "I believe Belfast should have a major input in any Titanic commemoration, and if Belfast were not involved then the quality of the commemoration would certainly be diminished."