Northern Ireland

New Secretary of State Julian Smith accused of 'snubbing' nationalists during visit to Derry

Secretary of State Julian Smith was accused of "snubbing" nationalists after he focused his visit to Derry on unionist landmarks in the city. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Secretary of State Julian Smith was accused of "snubbing" nationalists after he focused his visit to Derry on unionist landmarks in the city. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire Secretary of State Julian Smith was accused of "snubbing" nationalists after he focused his visit to Derry on unionist landmarks in the city. Picture by Brian Lawless/PA Wire

SECRETARY of State Julian Smith has denied sending a negative message to nationalists on his first day in his new post.

Mr Smith visited several unionist landmarks during a visit to Derry yesterday but did not make the short journey to the Bogside, Free Derry Corner or the Museum of Free Derry.

He said Derry was a "hugely important crucial city".

"I met with some people today and I will continue to meet with people; I look forward to coming again," he said.

When pressed further on the issue, he said he spent a lot of time with Sinn Féin yesterday and intended meeting the party again on Monday.

"I will work, as I said earlier, to respect the Belfast Agreement and deal with all parties and all citizens equally."

On his arrival in Derry, where he visited the city’s walls, the Apprentice Boys of Derry Siege Museum and the plinth of the Apprentice Boys Walkers' Monument,Mr Smith was met by a small number of protesters outside the city's Guildhall.

A number of Bloody Sunday families protested at calls for an end to prosecutions of former soldiers arising from actions during the Troubles.

They were joined by Irish language activists and others supporting same-sex marriage.

Mr Smith would not be drawn on the prosecution of former soldiers. He told reporters he would be examining the issue in the coming weeks.

He was greeted by SDLP deputy mayor of Derry and Strabane, Cara Hunter, who said she raised a number of issues including Brexit, the campaign for a medical school at Ulster University’s Magee campus, the need for the restoration of Stormont and plans for a north west 'city deal'.

“We made it extremely clear that the intervention regarding issues such as the medical school at Magee is a matter of urgency,” she said.

Mr Smith also held talks with Derry's Chamber of Commerce.