Tree marking 400th anniversary of Lisburn has links to former 'Prince Andrew' wiped permanently from history as new plaque is installed
A tree marking the 400th anniversary of Lisburn has had its links to the former ‘Prince Andrew’ wiped permanently from history with a new plaque put in place.
The original plaque dedicated to the former Duke of York was removed due to his controversial links to the deceased billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
A suggestion box was opened by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to allow councillors to put forward their views for the future of the Irish Yew tree and commemorative plaque. Some social media suggestions from the public had called for the tree to remain with the plaque kept removed. The new plaque at Lagan Valley Island civic centre reads ‘Irish Yew Planted on 17 September 2009 To Celebrate the 400th Anniversary of Lisburn’.
Political parties have now given insight on their seemingly united position to remove any connection to the disgraced Duke.
A DUP spokesperson said: “We were on record previously as supporting the removal of the previous plaque. “It is right that the 400th anniversary of Lisburn continues to be marked, and we understand the outcome had broad support across the council.”
An Alliance spokesperson said: "It was our collective position that a new plaque should be installed at the tree, reflecting the great significance of Lisburn’s 400th anniversary, but one that makes no reference to who planted it.
“We’re glad to see the new plaque now being displayed.”
A spokesperson for the UUP said: “We welcome the updated plaque and are pleased that our suggestion to remove the reference to Prince Andrew was accepted.
“We are also delighted that the tree now has a renewed focus on celebrating the 400th anniversary of Lisburn, and we hope it will still be there when we celebrate the city’s 500th anniversary.”
A SDLP spokesperson said: "The SDLP welcomes the replacement of the plaque bearing the name of the former Prince Andrew.”
Sinn Fein councillor Declan Lynch said: “We supported the removal of the plaque and continue to do so.
“However, it is important that the 400th anniversary of Lisburn is still commemorated and we welcome the installation of the new plaque.”