Fitt memorial service decision overturned

Councillors in Belfast tonight overturned a block on the family of Lord Fitt using City Hall for a memorial service to the SDLP founder.

The original decision to deny the former MP’s five daughters use of the building as a religiously neutral site had provoked uproar.

But at a City Council meeting tonight, the Democratic Unionists, Sinn Féin and Alliance all supported an SDLP motion tabled by Alban Maginness.

Mr Maginness said tonight: “It’s good for the city that this has been sorted.

“We are commemorating a distinguished member of the City Council and it’s appropriate given the service he gave to Belfast.

“The vast majority of people in the council recognised his contribution and the need for that to be remembered in a secular service.”

Only the Ulster Unionists failed to support the motion, Mr Maginness said.

The request by the family of Lord Fitt, who died in August, was turned down by the Policy and Resources Committee after officials said memorial services within the building were not in the rules.

But pressure grew for the public to be given the chance to pay their respects to a political icon who served as a councillor and Stormont MP as well both Houses at Westminster.

Even though he was buried following a service in Westminster Cathedral, it was felt many people who might have liked to attend could not get to London.

At tonight’s meeting councillors agreed to amend criteria so that any serving or past member who has served more than three terms can be commemorated in a non-religious service at City Hall.

Mr Maginness added: “Hopefully now the family can have their wish at a time that suits them.”