Sinn Féin have reacted angrily to proposed celebrations by the Ulster Unionists to mark the 200th anniversary of Britain's Act of Union.
The Northern Ireland Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Michael McGimpsey tonight launched a year of events marking the passage of the Act for the Union of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales in 1801.
However, as the celebrations got underway with a lecture in Newtownards Town Hall, the deputy chairman of the Assembly's Culture, Arts and Leisure Committee Ms Mary Nelis branded them "deeply offensive to all democrats as well as nationalists and republicans".
Mr McGimpsey said at tonight's launch that the Act of Union was one of the most significant events ever to affect Britain and Ireland.
"As Minister with responsibility for culture in Northern Ireland, I am very aware of the importance of this particular anniversary to the unionist tradition and I am delighted to be here tonight to join in the start of the celebrations which will take place throughout the year."
However, Ms Nelis insisted the Act was not worth celebrating.
"What is most disturbing is that Michael McGimpsey and other unionists think that the subjugation of Ireland is something to celebrate," she said.
"Celebrating the Act of Union is not about promoting inclusion, equality or cultural diversity. It is about celebrating political domination.
"I fully support a critical examination in the role of the Act of Union and what it has meant for the people of Ireland over the last 200 years. However, the use of public money to celebrate its bicentenary is totally unacceptable. There are many much more pressing issues that public money should be put to."
PA