“People are entitled to their views on President Trump and his policies, but that is not what this is about.”
A NI council HQ will light up for the USA 250th celebrations despite concerns raised over President Trump’s impact on local people.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s full monthly meeting this week signed off on the 4th of July illumination. At an earlier committee Alliance voted against and Sinn Fein abstained.
A DUP councillor hit back at the Alliance rejection alluding to the party’s support of Palestine at Belfast City Council.
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At the corporate committee, Castlereagh South Alliance councillor Jamie Harpur said:”I want to be very clear from the outset, this is not about being anti-American. It is important we say that plainly.
“This proposal in front of us is not about trade, investment, or cultural exchange.
“It is about marking the independence of another country through the illumination of a council building and that raises serious issues, both in terms of policy and precedent.
A letter from Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (DUP) before the chamber invited the council to light up one of its prominent civic centres marking the American celebrations “helping to showcase Northern Ireland as globally connected and forward-looking”.
However, the chamber heard that colours to support the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence had not been provided in line with illumination policy.
The request for the light up had also been made after the council applications for civic centre illuminations closed in October 2025.
Councillor Harpur added:”If we approve illuminating a civic building to mark the independence of one country, we open the door to many others.
“This proposal is being framed as a simple civic gesture, but it does not exist in a vacuum.
“There is a clear attempt here by some to align themselves politically with the current US administration.
“And that is an administration whose actions have had real-world consequences, impacting global stability, driving up costs, and undermining international norms.
“Those consequences are felt here too, including pressures on businesses and households.
“So let’s not pretend this is entirely neutral.”
In 2022, the council declined to light up Lagan Valley Island civic centre for Irish language campaigners and in support war torn Ukraine due to council criteria and policy.
Other recent light up concerns were seen in 2024, when the council’s new illumination policy was criticised for not including the July Twelfth celebrations despite St Patrick’s Day being listed as an annual light up.
Downshire West DUP Alderman Allan Ewart said: “This is a one off, a 250th anniversary doesn’t happen every year.
“I think this is a special occasion.
“It is ok to fly a Palestinian flag from Belfast City Council and Alliance back it.
“But, this has nothing to do with backing a regime in America, it is just recognising the country for 250 years, and I so propose.”
Lisburn South DUP councillor Andrew Ewing added:”I think it is very short sighted the view that Alliance is taking.
“People are entitled to their views on President Trump and his policies, but that is not what this is about.
“This is about celebrating the links between Northern Ireland and the USA and I second this proposal.”
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