Mary Ann McCracken Statue Damage – News Update
Vandalism of Mary Ann McCracken Statue in belfast Condemned
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BELFAST - The recent vandalism of the Mary Ann McCracken and Winifred Carney statue outside Belfast city Hall has been met with widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. The damage,which appears to have specifically targeted the Irish language inscription on the monument,has sparked calls for a swift examination and repair.
Statue Targeted for Irish Language Inscription
The statue, unveiled in March 2024, honours Mary Ann McCracken, a prominent anti-slavery campaigner and Irish republican, and winifred Carney, a suffragette and labour activist. Sinn Féin councillor Ciaran Beattie expressed his deep concern over the incident, stating, “Even more concerning is that the damage appears to have been aimed specifically at the section inscribed as Gaeilge.”
He emphasised the statue’s importance, noting, “This statue stands proudly at City Hall in memory of a remarkable anti-slavery campaigner and Irish republican.”
Beattie confirmed that he has engaged with council officials and has requested a full investigation into the damage. He has also called for the matter to be referred to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). “Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions to ensure this intolerant behavior is not repeated,” he added.
Sinn Féin is urging for the repairs to be completed as quickly as possible to ensure the statue can be enjoyed by both locals and visitors.
“Nauseating” Vandalism Appalls City
Belfast SDLP councillor Gary McKeown also voiced his strong disapproval of the vandalism.”The vandalism of the Mary Ann McCracken statue is disgusting and will appall people right across Belfast and beyond,” he stated.
McKeown stressed the importance of a thorough investigation and has contacted the council to expedite the repair of the signage. He highlighted the scarcity of statues dedicated to women in Belfast, making the unveiling of this particular monument a welcome event.”Belfast has an embarrassingly low number of statues dedicated to women, so the unveiling of this one in the grounds of City Hall last year was particularly welcome and I was delighted to be in attendance,” he said.
He found it particularly shocking that the Irish language inscription was targeted, indicating “even more intolerance.” McKeown paid tribute to Mary Ann McCracken’s legacy, describing her as “an inspirational figure whose contribution to our city still resonates to this day, particularly around her work as a social reformer and opponent of slavery. The principles she stood for remain relevant two centuries later.”
Call for Information to Police
Alliance councillor Michael Long echoed the sentiments of disgust. “Mary Ann McCracken represents everything that is good about the shared history of our city,” he commented. “I was delighted when my proposal for the statue was backed by all parties four years ago, as she speaks to the ideals we all should live up to.”
Long believes that statues like Mary Ann’s showcase a “new, diverse Belfast by looking back to those who took stands and laid the foundations for the freedoms we enjoy today.” He expressed his dismay at the act of vandalism, stating, “It makes me despair how anyone could damage a memorial dedicated to someone held in such high regard by so many people.”
He appealed to the public for assistance, urging, “I appeal to anyone who has information on this incident to contact police with it immediately.”
A PSNI spokesperson confirmed that police received a report of suspected criminal damage to the statue in the Donegall Square North area of Belfast around 12:55 pm on Friday, July 18. Inquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police on the 101 number, quoting reference 687 of 18/07/25.