Northern Ireland centenary panel to discuss 1921 events

By Michelle Devane, PA

A panel discussion to examine the history of Northern Ireland “in all its complexity” will be held to coincide with the state’s centenary.

The talk, involving a number of historians brought together to advise the Government on the centenary, will take place on Tuesday live from the Ulster Museum.

Northern Ireland was created on May 3, 1921, when the Government of Ireland Act came into effect and partitioned the island of Ireland into two separate entities.

One hundred years on, the panellists believe the anniversary presents an opportunity to reflect on events leading to the partition, the establishment of Northern Ireland, and ultimately the formation of the United Kingdom as we know it today.

They say they recognise “this landmark” date will have very different meanings to people throughout Northern Ireland, as well as across the island of Ireland, Great Britain and beyond.

Nationalists and unionists hold sharply differing views on the history of Northern Ireland: on its past governance and public representation; the security situation including decades of conflict; seismic events like the Second World War or the civil rights movement; and issues including public housing, freedom to demonstrate and equal voter representation.

The panellists, drawn from diverse backgrounds, were engaged last August by the Secretary of State to ensure the historical facts of Northern Ireland’s Centenary are understood in their fullest context.

While panellists may disagree on aspects of Northern Ireland’s history, it was felt by organisers that those chosen shared a common responsibility to present a thorough, holistic picture of the state’s often past to aid understanding of those who lived through the tumultuous evens of a century ago.

The panel will discuss the early years of the region’s history, from the foundation of labour and rise of trade unionism to the campaign for suffrage – particularly the enfranchisement of women.

It comprises Lord Bew, Emeritus Professor at Queen’s University; independent historian Brian Barton; Queen’s University lecturer Marie Coleman; University of Cambridge lecturer Niamh Gallagher; Caoimhe Nic Dhaibheid from the University of Sheffield; Margaret O’Callaghan of Queen’s University; Henry Patterson of Ulster University and Graham Walker of Queen’s University.

The Government’s plans to mark the centenary of the state’s foundation include a major business showcase in London, a £1 million Shared History Fund, a futuristic programme for young people, tree-planting projects, academic and historic events and an international church service for all denominations.

A total of £1 million has been awarded to 39 community projects to research and demonstrate what 100 years of Northern Ireland has meant to them and their community.

Belfast City Council will host an event at the City Hall marking the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Northern Ireland Parliament in the building on June 22, 1921, by King George V.

Every school will be presented with a native tree to plant in their grounds, while an extensive young people’s programme will explore what the future will look like in the next 100 years.

The Centenary Rose, a flower the Government said would represent reflection and hope, will be produced in Northern Ireland and planted in the gardens of the royal residence at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down.

A Centenary Rose will also be presented to the Queen for her own garden and there will be a decorative rose pin designed and produced in the UK, to be worn by VIPs at centenary events and given to programme participants.