Queen's birthday meeting held up - as not enough turned up!

The special meeting was scheduled to begin at 6pm, but there were only 10 councillors there - half of what they needed to make a quorum.

Parties began to ring around in a bid to get more councillors to the meeting, delaying proceedings for a full 45 minutes.

At 6.45pm the magic number of 20 had been reached and the meeting was finally able to get underway.

Five minutes later business was concluded as those present agreed unanimously with the recommendations from the working group set up to investigate how best for council to mark the occasion.

After a meeting of the working group on April 4th the following proposals were brought to council on Thursday night:

- creation of a rosebed at Cloonavin (QEII Roses) be planted on Queen’s Birthday 21st April (cost £1,600).

- Beacons across UK and Commonwealth on 21st April – relay from each of the four legacy areas converging in Portstewart for lighting of beacon, in association with local running/cycling clubs (cost £1,500).

- Afternoon Tea for residents who share a 1926 birthday with the Queen – hosted by The Mayor & HML incl entertainment & gift. (May - dates TBC) Co. Antrim residents (Ballymoney), Co. Londonderry residents (Coleraine) (cost £1,000).

The Mayor, Cllr Michelle Knight-McQuillan, welcomed the proposals and added the Sea Cadets and local archers wished to be involved with the beacons event.

Cllr Ian Stevenson proposed council agree with the recommendation, this was seconded by Cllr Alan McLean.

Sinn Fein councillor, Tony McCaul, said he respected the regard the Royal Family is held in by the Unionist community.

“It’s a pity this council isn’t more inclusive with regards to other commemorations,” he said.

“I know the Royal Family is close to the hearts of Unionists and I respect that. Our own party members have met the Queen in recent years and I certainly wouldn’t vote against any of these recommendations.”

The recommendations were agreed by all.