Centenary stone veto could backfire on SF

IT is clear there is no depth of pettiness to which Sinn Fein will not descend when it comes to the celebration of the centenary of the foundation of Northern Ireland. From the party’s perspective – and that of other nationalists – partition was a disaster which has created a running sore on this island.

But Sinn Fein’s decision to veto the erection of a stone map of the six counties of Northern Ireland merely shows up its own political myopia.

It surely cannot have escaped Sinn Fein’s notice that they are in government in a building which was designed around the six county theme. Parliament Buildings has six storeys and six columns frame the entrance. As well, its foundation is of granite, the stone to be used for the map.

What possible reason was there for vetoing the proposed memorial? Sinn Fein complains it was not consulted about it. TUV leader Jim Allister was probably closer to the mark when he described it as an example of minority rule from a party which, over the years, has criticised majority rule.

Given that all other parties in the five party power-sharing administration raised no objection to the memorial, all Sinn Fein has achieved is to show itself as a mean-spirited party.

It has created bad public relations for itself when there was no need to do so.

This memorial would not have cost the taxpayer a single penny, being paid for by the DUP, UUP and TUV.

Sinn Fein would not have had a single fingerprint on it, so could hardly be accused of caving in to unionist demands.

It was an impotent little gesture which could only appeal to the most backward of backwoods supporters.

Sinn Fein didn’t even have to make any comment. It could simply have let the proposal go ahead and ignored it.

Not for the first time the party has found itself weighed down by a millstone of history without any benefit accruing.

It should be remembered that the celebration of the centenary is rather muted because of the coronavirus pandemic which has ruled out large gatherings which would have been expected in normal times.

As well, unionists showed a certain generosity of spirit over other contentious celebrations during a decade of centenaries.

This is an example of a dysfunctional administration at its worst where one party can cause dissent and disharmony no matter what the others think.

Sinn Fein’s decision may also rebound on itself. The introduction of Irish language legislation will require goodwill in the other direction. That is hardly more likely to be forthcoming after this needless row.