Councillor who wanted Andrew plaque 'reinstated' backs removal

A nationalist councillor who said a plaque removed over its mention of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should be "reinstated" now backs the original decision, his party said.

Pat Catney, of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), had told officials at Lisburn and Castlereagh Council it was important not to "rewrite that historical record".

The plaque in Lisburn was removed before Christmas from under a tree planted by Mountbatten-Windsor as further details emerged of the former prince's relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The SDLP said Catney had since "clarified his position" and "believes the plaque should be permanently removed".

The plaque in question read that the tree had been "planted by HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York" in 2009 "to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Lisburn".

In February Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, but was released under investigation. He has denied any wrongdoing.

In emails seen by BBC News NI, councillors were encouraged by officials to "make suggestions as to how we could recognise the significance of the Yew tree planted whilst noting the particular sensitivities".

Catney, who is a former assembly member (MLA) replied: "In my view, the original plaque should be reinstated as it was first presented."

He said the event "formed part of the city's history at that time", adding: "I believe it is important that we do not attempt to alter or rewrite that historical record after the fact."

Alliance Party councillor Claire Kemp called on Catney to explain his "rationale".

She said many residents had expressed "deep unease at anything honouring Andrew Mountbatten".

"Lisburn and Castlereagh has a long and proud history with the Royal family but it was entirely correct for the council to remove the plaque mentioning Andrew Mountbatten," she added.

Catney and the SDLP were approached for comment.

An SDLP spokesman said: "Councillor Catney has already clarified his position to council and has stated that he believes the plaque should be permanently removed.

"The SDLP has been clear from the outset of the Epstein scandal that tributes to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are inappropriate, and we were among the first to call for their removal.

"Our thoughts are with all the victims of Epstein and those associated with him."

A spokesperson from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said: "The mount has been removed as part of a site tidy up and there are no intentions to replace at this time."