It’s now called ‘Legenderry,’ MPs are told

Thats what Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Hugo Swire MP told MPs at Westminster recently.

Mr Swire made the comment when asked for his assessment of the likely effect on Londonderry on becoming the UK’s first City of Culture.

He said Northern Ireland Office (NIO) officials have been working closely with the Londonderry Culture Company to ensure that the year-long programme will have social, economic, cultural and political benefits in the short term and as a legacy beyond 2013.

But responding to a query from Plymouth MP Oliver Colville who wanted to know what lessons that city could Londonderry in its bid to be the City of Culture, Mr Swire informed Parliament that we now call Londonderry Legenderry.

“The whole issue of whether the city should be called Londonderry or Derry seems to be resolved, as we are now going to call it Legenderry,” stated the Minister.

He also suggested councillors from Plymouth travel to Londonderry during UK City of Culture 2013 and offered to introduce him to all the key players in the city.

“Plymouth is already legendary, not least on account of its excellent Member of Parliament. My hon. Friend should get his councillors to come over to Londonderry during its year as the City of Culture, and I will introduce him to all the key players who are going to make it the most happening place in Europe,” he said.

DUP MP Gregory Campbell mentioned the importance of jobs in promoting Londonderry UK City of Culture.

Mr Swire said: “On the longer-term economic benefits to Londonderry, yes, that is a vital issue. Of course, there will be a lot of prosperity around in the year that it is the City of Culture, but that should be the building block to cement the renaissance that has gone on in the city, not least with the regeneration of the Ebrington barracks site and the Peace Bridge.”