December 12, 2006	PN 09/06

SPEAKER SWITCHES ON CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS

New Parliament Buildings switch-on to become annual event

The lights on the first Parliament Buildings Christmas tree were today switched on by the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mrs Eileen Bell MLA.

Mrs Bell was accompanied by school choirs, Assembly Members and local residents for the lighting of the first Christmas tree to be placed at the foot of the steps leading to the front doors of one of the best known buildings in Northern Ireland.

The Speaker said: "I really have been looking forward to welcoming so many people to Parliament Buildings for what I am sure will become a happy and musical annual event. I hope that when people visit the Assembly and see our new Christmas tree they will be inspired to return to see it again and again every year.

"I would like to thank all the choir members and their parents and teachers for coming along to make this such an enjoyable event and I would also like to express my gratitude to the local residents who joined in our celebrations.

"There is no doubt that this tree will be seen by a great many people in the run up to Christmas. Assembly Members, visitors and those who spend time walking in the park will all be able to enjoy it at first hand and I hope it will quickly become an important part of the Christmas celebrations here at the Assembly.

"Parliament Buildings means many things to many people and it is my wish that this new tree will come to symbolise not only the spirit of Christmas but also the unity of our community."

Choirs and musicians from schools including Dundonald High School, St Patrick's Primary School, Hilltown and RBAI took part in the event to mark the switching on of the tree lights.

Note to Editor

The tree, a fourteen metre Norway spruce, was supplied by the Department of Agriculture's Forest Service and came from their plantation near Randalstown. Following its removal after the Christmas season it will be recycled.

For further information please contact the Assembly Information Office on 028 90 521137