Flag will fly for Jubilee

A DUP motion to have the flags flown at Craigavon Civic Centre and the town centres of Lurgan and Portadown was passed at Monday night’s council meting.

The days are June 2, 3, 4 and 5 and the council are also to send a telegram of congratulations to the Queen.

Alderman Stephen Moutray said it was the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II - 60 years since her accession to the throne.

“She has been an exemplary head of state, dignified and caring, representing us across the world,” he added.

Alderman Moutray said he did not want to make the proposal contentious and asked that parties adopted a mature attitude

“We should show our appreciation as she approaches her 86th birthday while still carrying out a punishing schedule for this nation,” he commented.

Seconding the proposal Alderman Woolsey Smith said he had the privilege of meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace and it was a day he would always remember. “I was deeply impressed by her sincerity,” he added.

Councillor Johnny McGibbon of Sinn Fein said his party would not be supporting the proposal because there are days in the motion which are outside the designated days which had been agreed.

Councillor Joe Nelson of the SDLP said they would not be supporting the motion.

“June 2 is a designated day why do they have to fly the flag for a further four days,” he said.

When the motion was put to the meeting it was carried by 14 votes to 11.