Mid Ulster council rejects free portrait of King Charles III

THERE was no meeting of minds at Mid Ulster District Council over a proposal to request a free portrait of King Charles III, with a vote on the issue highlighting a sharp divide along unionist/nationalist lines.

Mid Ulster had received a letter from the Cabinet Office, indicating that all public authorities throughout the UK can apply for a free, framed portrait of the King to mark the new reign.

Addressing the chamber, the DUP’s Dungannon councillor Clement Cuthbertson said, “Just in relation to the letter from the Cabinet Office, I want to propose that we avail of the offer of the free portrait of His Majesty the King.”

His proposal was seconded by Cookstown UUP councillor Trevor Wilson.

But Barry Monteith – an independent councillor who describes himself as a republican – outlined his opposition.

“I think it would be a retrograde step, as a republican, to impose the promotion of monarchy and inherited power and privilege where we’re putting any human being as in any way better to any other human being,” he said.

“I think it would be a mistake for us to buy into the promotion of monarchism. I would suggest that we do not avail of the opportunity for the portrait.”

Council chair, Sinn Fein’s Dominic Molloy, decided to put the issue to a vote, stating, “I’m pretty sure we know where the debate is going. The council does have a policy around our flags and emblems and it has worked pretty well to date, so I will put it to a vote. It’s a simple yes or no. Either we accept the portrait or we do not, so yes for Cllr Cuthbertson’s proposal or not.”

A vote was then taken on the issue, with 24 councillors voting against the proposal – including all the SF representatives in attendance – and 11 voting in favour – including all DUP councillors attending the meeting.

Reacting to the outcome, Cllr Cuthbertson said, “I’m very disappointed, while not surprised.

“I’d remind council that during the last mandate, the highlight of that particular year – if not of the whole term of the council – was the royal visit of King Charles, the then Prince of Wales, to Cookstown.

“It was the highlight, it was a boost to the area, and I think it’s a very negative and disappointing step, it’s a step that’s just showing no tolerance whatsoever for the unionist community.

“This [portrait] is free, it’s not costing the council any money, and once again it shows that there is no space for unionism in this council, and unionist views are not recognised on it.”