DUP call for removal of O Donnghaile portrait from Belfast City Hall

Dear City Solicitor,

Re: Niall Ó Donnghaile, Lord Mayoral portrait

Following on from our conversation yesterday, I am writing on behalf of the Democratic Unionist Party to formally request the removal of the Niall Ó Donnghaile, Lord Mayoral portrait.

This request follows the naming, yesterday, of Niall Ó Donnghaile as the former Sinn Fein party member at the centre of their latest crisis – namely, the sending of inappropriate texts to two individuals, one of whom is a 17-year-old male.

In a statement, Niall Ó Donnghaile said, “I also accept that I have caused great embarrassment to myself, my family, friends and former colleagues – this was never my intention”. Intentional or not, it is the view of our party that his portrait remaining in Belfast City Hall would cause great embarrassment to Belfast City Council, and its reputation.

Therefore, our party are formally requesting that its removal is added to the agenda for Party Group Leaders.

Regards,

Alderman McCullough