Modern democracy was born in Londonderry, says Campbell

The local politician made the comments in an interview with agendaNI magazine - an organ that focuses on key policy and business issues affecting Northern Ireland.

Asked by the magazine to outline what Londonderry meant to him he said: “Londonderry has a proud and distinguished cultural tradition that stands strongly alongside any other city in the United Kingdom.

“Londonderry was one of the first planned cities in the nation. This is reflected in the architecture of St Columb’s Cathedral, one of the focal points for the annual Maiden City Festival: the tablet inside the cathedral porch reads: ‘If stones could speake, then London’s prayse should sound, Who built this church and cittie from the grounde.’”

Mr Campbell said the “uniquely British character” has been undiminished throughout the years and that history was never far from his front door growing up in the city.

Aware

“I was acutely aware from a young age of the key role that the city and its iconic walls played in the defeat of absolutism and arbitrary power: that is why I joined the Apprentice Boys,” he said.

“I feel a strong sense of pride in the achievement of people from Londonderry who secured the Williamite Settlement and with it civil and religious liberty.

“In fact, many would say if the siege outcome had been different the entire development of parliamentary democracy would have been stunted and held back.”

The East Londonderry MLA made a bold assertion that the Maiden City was the place where modern democracy was born.

“Londonderry can fairly claim to be the place where modern liberal democracy was conceived,” he said. “In the past attempts to celebrate and commemorate this achievement were faced with hostility, but I am pleased that is no longer the case and the Maiden City Festival has become an enormously positive event for the city.

“In more recent times the city has given the world such culturally significant figures as Josef Locke, Phil Coulter, Richard Doherty and dare I say it, Nadine Coyle! In seeking to be the United Kingdom City of Culture, I am certain we have a strong case to make and am hopeful for success.”