Call to bring Roaring Meg back into use

Michael Canavan, a former Assemblyman for the city has said that the Guildhall, its square, the Walls and the River Foyle provides a "magnificent conjunction" even though its impact is currently static.

However, the former politician has said that the most famous remnant of the city's famous Siege-the canon Roaring Meg-could be harnessed as a major tourist attraction.

"If Roaring Meg could be blankfired every day at noon, from a new site overlooking Guildhall Square, that vista could be dramatised overnight," he said.

Mr Canavan continued: "Tourists would come to the city to experience the spectacle and once in the city other items, for example, the Walls, would benefit greatly.

"It is true that Edinburgh also blankfires a gun everyday at one o'clock-the gun at one- and it generates great tourist custom.

"But the gun used is a service weapon with little historic significance and the walls of Edinburgh have little to compare with Derry's Walls.

"Of course local engineers would have to work on the project in the interests of safety and Roaring Meg would have to be moved from the double Bastion to Guildhall Square.

"Creature comfort should never be forgotten and a form of light transport round the walls for the grey tourists is a must.

"The aspect of the Walls in Guildhall Square is simply stunning and deserves the service of a professional lighting expert.

"The Council cleaning services, which look after our greatest ever asset deserve great praise for its pristine cleanliness.

"I intend to ask the council to consider this proposition as a matter of urgency as the tourist season is fast approaching."