New York artist disgusted by his art being hung in Belfast City Hall

Republican dissidents have demanded that Belfast's new Sinn Féin Lord Mayor removes a poster from his parlor, which they claim insults Ireland’s patriot dead.

The new mayor, Niall Ó Donnghaile removed pictures of both Prince Charles and the Queen Mother from his City Hall office and replaced them with the 1916 Proclamation along with a poster of the United Irishmen.

Belfast's youngest ever Lord Mayor Ó Donnghaile (25) caused widespread anger when he removed the Royal portraits last week.

But the New York artist behind the poster, which commemorates Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen’s 1798 rebellion, said he is "deeply offended" that his work is in show in the Mayor’s parlor.

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Sinn Fein has said they intend to picket City Hall if Ó Donnghaile refuses to remove the poster.

New York artist Brian Mor O'Baoigill told the Mirror: "I created the poster to honor republican martyrs who fought for Irish freedom. To display it in the home of the British government in Belfast is the greatest insult possible.

"The men of 1798 died to rid Ireland of the British. Hanging their picture in an office controlled and paid for by the UK makes a mockery of their efforts. When Belfast City Hall is located in a united Ireland, I'll be honored to see my artwork displayed there. Until then, I demand Sinn Féin removes it."

The artist, whose parents hail from County Donegal said he was "devastated" when he saw a Northern Ireland TV news report showing his art hung in the City Hall parlor.