SINN Féin president Mary Lou McDonald has said she is "honoured" to give this year's Bloody Sunday Memorial Lecture in Derry this month.
Ms McDonald will deliver the lecture at the city's Guildhall before taking part in an 'in conversation' event with Derry journalist Paul McFadden.
The annual lecture is one of the key events in the commemorative programme hosted by the Bloody Sunday Trust, whose director Maeve McLaughlin said she was "delighted" to welcome the Dublin TD to speak ahead of the 51st anniversary of the massacre of 14 people by British paratroopers during a civil rights march.
Last year's lecture was delivered by former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
This year's event, which is open to the public, will take place at the Guildhall on Friday January 27 at 8pm.
"I am honoured to deliver this year’s Bloody Sunday Lecture. The courage and resilience of the families and the enduring spirit of Derry and its people are an inspiration for everyone who wants an Ireland free of discrimination and prejudice," Ms McDonald said.
"For 51 years, the memories of those innocents murdered by the British Army on the streets of the Bogside have stood as indelible symbols of the fight for justice and truth. Today, they stand as a beacon of hope for a better future for all."
Maeve McLaughlin, said: "As we bring the successful 50th anniversary programme to a close – after what has been a very significant year for the families and for this city – the Bloody Sunday Trust is delighted to announce that the Annual Bloody Sunday Lecture for the 51st anniversary will be delivered by Uachtarán Shinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald.”
