Tourist row hits the wall

The distinctive white gable of Free Derry Corner

A nationalist gable end wall in Londonderry is at the centre of a row over whether it should be funded as a tourist attraction.

Free Derry Corner in the Bogside area of Derry is a reminder of the beginning of the Troubles in the late 60s.

As nationalists in the city clashed with the police and army the wall became a symbol of resistance for residents.

The words "You are now entering Free Derry" were painted on the gable end as the Bogside became a no-go area for troops.

I think the ratepayers would not want their money to be spent on maintaining what in effect is an Irish republican propaganda platform

Cllr Richard Dallas

Later the house was knocked down but the wall was kept and maintained after pressure from people in the area.

Now Derry City Council's plan to take over the site and pay to keep it as a monument with taxpayers' money has angered a former mayor.

Ulster Unionist Richard Dallas has asked the Equality Commission to investigate the plan.

The commission was set up under the Good Friday Agreement to oversee equal opportunities in many areas including religion and political opinion.

'Outrage' at idea

It has responsibility for making sure that all public authorities in Northern Ireland give due regard to equality issues.

Cllr Dallas said unionist ratepayers were outraged at the prospect of paying for the wall.

He said: "Not only do I think the ratepayers in the Waterside would not want their money to be spent on maintaining what in effect is an Irish republican propaganda platform, but I would have thought many people and citizens in Londonderry would be very much opposed to this.

"Quite simply, if the people in the Bogside want Free Derry Corner, it's up to them to maintain it, not the people of this city."