Disappointment over Titanic ‘snub’ to Ballymena Council

Sinn Fein’s Monica Digney voiced her disappointment at how the launch of Titanic Belfast sailed by without an invite to Ballymena’s Mayor.

Speaking at last Monday night’s meeting of full council, she asked the Chief Executive whether the Mayor had been invited to be a guest at the grand opening of the Titanic signature exhibition.

When it was confirmed that he was not invited, Mrs. Digney voiced her anger at what she described as a ‘snub.’

She said: “The Titanic belongs to all citizens. Many people of the borough were involved in the building of the Titanic. I believe that each council area should have been invited to this launch. I am very disappointed, we should have been thought of.

“Just because Ballymena isn’t surrounded by water doesn’t mean that we should not be included, the Titanic is something that should be shared by everyone.

“I ask that we write to those involved to voice our disappointment and ask for a time when our mayor can go up and visit the exhibition.”

However Councillor Declan O’Loan believed that a more diplomatic approach might be suitable, he said: “I understand the point but I think it might be preferable if we were to say that the Titanic is of significant interest to all and ask for us to be involved in the future.”

Councillor Digney was quick to reiterate her disappointment at the snub, she added: “I’m very annoyed about this, Other areas are quick to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to events such as the Irish Open and I think that Ballymena should have been included in these celebrations.”