Down Memory Lane

Co Derry News from 2007 Stroke City To Remain Londonderry – BBC News, January 2007

- Cathal McGuigan

The name of Northern Ireland’s second city is to remain Londonderry, a High Court judge has ruled.

Mr Justice Weatherup made the decision after a judicial review on the issue brought by Derry City Council.

The council had wanted the government to accept its view that the name of the city is Derry rather than Londonderry.

The judge ruled that just because the council had changed its title to Derry, this did not mean the name specified back in the 17th century was changed. He said only legislation or Royal prerogative could change the city’s name.

A spokesman for the city council said the judgement provided important clarity on the legal name of the city.

Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Campbell said they would continue the fight to get the name changed.

“Everybody, and I mean everybody, would benefit from it at the end of the day,” he said.

But Democratic Unionist councillor Gregory Campbell said this should “put the issue to rest”.

“For 23 years, it has made us the subject not only of division but of derision,” he said.