Sinn Fein letter to Queen welcomed by former DUP minister
Two former DUP first ministers have welcomed a Sinn Fein move to write to the Queen on the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee.
Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill wrote to the Queen to praise her "significant" contribution to the peace process and to acknowledge her "dedicated public service to the British people" during her 70 years on the throne.
Ms O'Neill thanked the Queen for her "warmth and unfailing courtesy" on the occasions when the pair have met and wrote of the "value and respect" she had for the monarch's contribution to reconciliation.
Former DUP leader Dame Arlene Foster praised Ms O'Neill's gesture while DUP MLA Paul Givan, who also served as first minister, said it showed the progress that had been achieved in Northern Ireland in recent years.
Both politicians served as first minister alongside Ms O'Neill as deputy first minister.
"Obviously, I very much welcome it," Dame Arlene told BBC Radio Ulster.
She said the Platinum Jubilee celebrated three things - the Queen's public service and dedication; the institution of the monarchy; and the concept of Britishness.
Dame Arlene added: "I think for republicans, like Michelle O'Neill, like Nicola Sturgeon, they have recognised in Her Majesty the Queen the first of those, the fact that she has given so much service to the country.
"They're recognising that and I think that that is something that is to be welcomed."
Mr Givan told the PA news agency: "I do welcome that and I think it follows on with what the late Martin McGuinness did in terms of meeting with the Queen, and I think to how the royal family have responded to Sinn Fein and republican representatives recognising the monarchy's place in Northern Ireland and the Queen has often been incredibly gracious.
"I think of members of the royal family murdered by the Provisional IRA and yet the Queen has been able to show that respect, and forgiveness indeed, in how she has approached that.
"I think that's a sign of the progress that we're making and it's something that I welcome Sinn Fein making that progress forward and the steps that they've taken as well."
Ms O'Neill's letter to the Queen, which was sent last month and reported by the Belfast Telegraph on Thursday, read: "I thought it best to write to you personally as you mark 70 years of dedicated public service to the British people as Monarch.
"Your Platinum Jubilee is an historic moment, especially for all those from the unionist and British tradition on the island of Ireland, and across these islands whom with great pride and devotion hold you very dear.
"Personally, I wish to thank you for your warmth and unfailing courtesy on the occasions in which both I and my late colleague, Martin McGuinness, met with you in Belfast in 2012 during your Diamond Jubilee, and thereafter at Windsor Castle during the State Visit of President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins to the UK in 2014.
"I wish to record the value and respect I place on the significant contribution you have made to the advancement of peace and reconciliation between the different traditions on our island, and between our two islands during those years of the peace process.
"As incoming First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive I, like you, will take every opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and renew the spirit of co-operation between those of us in the world of politics and public life from different traditions, and also the people and communities we proudly represent."
By David Young, PA
Thursday 2nd June: Platinum Jubilee Beacons
At Buckingham Palace, the Principal Beacon (which traditionally has been lit to mark the Queen's jubilee), will be 'lit' on Thursday.
Beacons will be lit across the UK, including the following in NI
Titanic Belfast
Conway Square, Newtownards
The Castle, Bangor
Burr Point, Ballyhalbert
Loanends Primary School, Crumlin
Antrim Castle Gardens
Ballyclare Town Hall,
The Viaduct, Randalstown
Lilian Bland Park, Glengormley
Macedon Point, Hazelbank Park
Threemilewater,Mossley Mill
St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral. Armagh
Banbridge Civic Centre
South Lake Leisure Centre, Craigavon
Holy Trinity Church, Ballycastle
Townhead Street Car Park, Ballymoney
The Diamond, Coleraine
Drumceatt Square, Limavady
Hillsborough Fort
People's Park, Ballymena
Larne Town Park
Castle Green, Carrickfergus
St Columb's Cathedral, Derry/Londonderry
Antrim and Newtownabbey
Don't miss the Platinum Party at The Park in Antrim Castle Gardens Jordanstown Loughshore Park on Saturday 4th June from 6pm to 10.30pm.
Cool FM's Stuart Robinson will be hosting an evening of free entertainment from Jordanstown alongside Claire McCollum in Antrim. There will be a live screening of the Party at The Palace.
Local Comedians Shane Todd (Jordanstown) and Micky Bartlett (Antrim) will bring their own local humour to the event.
Music acts Rwanda Shaw (Antrim) and James Huish (Jordanstown) will have the audience dancing all night long.
Street theatre, food and drink stalls and free family entertainment will keep the whole family entertained.
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are free but a £1.25 admin charge will apply. All proceeds will go to the Mayors charities.
A 'Big Jubilee Lunch' will take place on Sunday 5th June from 1pm at Wallace Park Templepatrick, Lough Shore Park Antrim, Sixmilewater River Park, Neillsbrook Community Centre, Lilian Bland Community Park Glengormley, Hazelbank Park and Jordanstown Loughshore Park.
Ards & North Down
From 10am – 6pm on Saturday and non to 6pm on Sunday this year's Sea Bangor will reflect and celebrate the seven decades of the Queen's reign. Quay Street car park will host a range of activities for all the family, celebrating the food, music and dance of the eras.
Visitors will step back in time as the area is transformed with beach huts, vintage fun fair rides and a ballroom featuring music and dance from each of the decades. Along the Eisenhower Pier a demo kitchen will feature chefs from each of the decades. Serving up iconic recipes, including Coronation Chicken, the Chefs will recreate the classics of their era and will also feature 'Desert Island Discs', with their favourite music from the time. Food and drink stalls will line the Pier with seating areas encouraging visitors to sit and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Also on Eisenhower Pier, visitors will find The Jubilee Jukebox - an exciting live interactive theatre production.
In Newtownards, the Soda Popz '50s Duo will entertain the crowds from 8.30pm at Conway Square.
Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon
On Saturday, the Seven Decades Pageant at Brownlow House in Lurgan will provide a range of fun and entertainment at Brownlow House including Flash Harry -NI's beloved Queen tribute band.
As well as a costume display from decades gone by, there will be amusements, art workshops, circus entertainers and walk-about performers.
There will be a big screen in Lurgan Park for the Platinum Party at the Palace in London. Those planning to watch have been asked to bring a picnic or enjoy the hot food and drinks offered on site from 8pm.
Belfast
City Hall in Belfast will host a seniors' tea dances to mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee on Friday 3rd June.
On Saturday 4 June, 2 Royal Avenue will be transformed into 1950s Belfast allowing visitors to take a step back in time and get a flavour of life in the city 70 years ago.
The event will showcase some of the city's best local talent through photography, film, fashion, song and storytelling, taking a creative look at people's lives in Belfast in 1952.
There will be intergenerational workshops and storytelling events, live music performances, a photography exhibition and film screenings. The venue's café menu will be adapted to reflect popular foods and dishes from the time.
City Hall will be illuminated purple on Sunday to mark the Royal milestone.
Causeway Coast & Glens
Coleraine Town Hall hosts the Community and Crown exhibition until the end of August.
Beacons will be lit in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady on Thursday 2nd June.
Derry City & Strabane
A special beacon will be lit at St Columb's Cathedral on Thursday. The Cathedral is recognised for its active promotion of 'bridge-building' – it's known as a religious venue that accepts all sections of the community.
Fermanagh and Omagh
Curated by the local community of Enniskillen, 'Our Coronation Story' will be hosted by Enniskillen Castle Museums and Exhibition (Open from 2nd - 12th June).
A Family Fun Day and Armed Forces Display at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Enniskillen on Saturday 4 June, 10am to 4pm.
There will also be a 'Big Jubilee Lunch' hosted at the Castle on Sunday 5th from 11am to 5pm.
A special Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving and Civic Parade will take place at 11am from St Macartin's Cathedral.
Enniskillen Castle will be illuminated purple by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council on Thursday 2 June and two beams of light will project over the Castle from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5th June.
Lisburn and Castlereagh
On Thursday 2 June, Royal Hillsborough will be the centre of festivities. The council and 38 Irish Brigade host a Royal Gun Salute and Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal Parade at Hillsborough Castle.
Civic Headquarters, Union Bridge and Castle Gardens will be lit up in purple from Thursday until Sunday.
On Saturday 5 June the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum will be hosting special screenings of 'A Royal Occasion'.
Mid & East Antrim
On Thursday town criers will announce the official proclamation of the Platinum Jubilee events in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne. Entertainment is organised in all three locations ahead of the lighting of the beacons at 9.45pm.
THE PEOPLE'S PARK, BALLYMENA
Children's entertainment starts from 7.45pm on Thursday, with Arran School of Dance, a piper and words from the Mayor.
Saturday's festivities kick off from 6pm to 10pm, including the televised concert at 8pm.
On Sunday, St Patrick's Church in Ballymena will hold an afternoon civic service to reflect on the Queen's service.
CARRICKFERGUS
A family fun day is planned at Carrickfergus Castle from 11am – 2pm on June 2nd, and then celebrations start-up again from 7.45pm ahead of the beacon ceremony.
Shaftesbury Park will be transformed on Saturday from 4pm, with everything from a bake-off competition to a corgi convention.
LARNE
Larne Town Park has a carnival magic show and bubblemania event taking place form 7pm to 10pm on June 2nd.
Then on June 4th a huge host of events and activities will take place at Larne Market Yard from 5pm. As well as the televised concert, isa Dempsey's School of Dance will perform, Billy Teare and live children's entertainment.
Mid Ulster
Situated at the Hill of the O'Neill & Ranfurly House locals can enjoy a free family Fun Day on Thursday 2nd.
Activities are running from 1pm to 5pm with lots to see and do including crafts and magic.
Newry, Mourne and Down
The streets will be filled with music in Kilkeel for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Parade and Tattoo filled with floats and vintage vehicles. It will start at 7.30pm, with the tattoo heading from Orange Fields to Manse Road.
An extravagant fireworks display will follow the lighting of a beacon on Thursday evening.
n Friday locals can enjoy a treasure hunt and special Jubilee fancy dress competition. From 2.30pm to 8.30pm a variety concert 'Celebration of Mourne Local Talent' will take place, with a vintage afternoon tea, BBQ and craft market.
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