Sinn Féin Seeks Explanation for Michael D Higgins Portrait Removal in Belfast City Hall

A portrait of Irish President Michael D. Higgins has been removed from the Belfast Lord Mayor's parlour, a formal reception room at City Hall, where it had previously hung alongside a portrait of King Charles. Sinn Féin, represented by former Lord Mayor Ryan Murphy, has raised concerns and formally asked the current DUP Lord Mayor, Tracy Kelly, to explain the whereabouts of the missing portrait and the message its removal sends to the city's residents, many of whom hold the President in high regard. Despite being directly questioned during a Belfast City Council meeting, Kelly offered no explanation beyond noting the concern, while a DUP spokesperson stated that the decoration of the Lord Mayor's parlour is still incomplete and that more artefacts will be added in the coming weeks. Kelly recently posted a social media photo showing a meeting with Orange Order representatives in the parlour, where only King Charles's portrait was visible. Sinn Féin emphasized that during their tenure, certain items, including the President's portrait, were considered off-limits and were never removed, underscoring the significance of the mayor's office as a symbol representing all citizens of Belfast. The council declined to comment directly, indicating the matter falls under the Lord Mayor's responsibility.