nsconced the Margaret Thatcher’s Study – the Table’s not for Turning

A table commissioned by former Prime Minister David Cameron to host discussions at the G8 Summit at Lough Erne Resort in 2013 which he took back to Downing Street, should be “Repatriated or released” back to Fermanagh, as part of its heritage.

That was the call from Sinn Fein’s Councillor Seamus Greene during a meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

However, when BBC Local Democracy contacted Downing Street, there was no suggestion of the table being returned home.

The table made from locally sourced elm to Mr Cameron’s specifications, cost £7000 to host the 39th G8 Summit, the first ti be held in Northern Ireland.

Heads of state including Barack Obama, Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin were among those to join Mr Cameron around the unique table.

When the summit ended it was shipped to Downing Street and housed in Margaret Thatcher’s Study.

At the time Mr Cameron explained: "I thought it was a good idea to bring it back because it has lots of important memories and symbolism …It was definitely a talking point".

But in remains a talking point for different reasons as some believe the table should be returned and Mr Cameron was wrong to take it.

The matter arose during a council discussion on establishing an Omagh County Museum and the collating of artefacts with historical relevance both there and Fermanagh.

Some are known to be in museums outside the district and members felt these should be where they originate from or relate to.

This led Councillor Greene to reprise a point which he feels is of significant historical, political and cultural relevance.

He said: “Talking of misplaced artefacts, there one which originated in Fermanagh that I have brought up a few times and I still don’t see it being repatriated. Prime Minister Cameron came over and I remember sitting in the Townhall while members of the Foreign Office promised £650 million of a benefit to the council area and the region. There was a table made for it. Not only did we not get a penny of what was promised but he nicked the table and the chairs, brought it back and has it now in Downing Street.”

Councillor Greene continued, “We have asked for it to be repatriated. I would love to see it back in Enniskillen. I would love to take my dinner of it someday if it ever is repatriated. Downing Street has been written to about it and I’d like an update on the Fermanagh artefact that’s missing, but isn’t missing.”

He suggesting campaigning to “Repatriate or release the table” to where it belongs.

Chief Executive Alison McCullough told members a letter was sent to Downing Street when the issue was first raised but there was no response. However, she pointed out, “In the intervening period there has been a change of Prime Minister, so we could re-issue that, or perhaps a delegation would like to view the table in situ. That might be more positively received.”

Councillor Greene replied: “That sounds like a great idea and if there was four or five good strong men or women, we could even repatriate it ourselves if we got in to look at it. I propose we write to Prime Minister Johnston pointing out, could he return the table his predecessor nicked.”

This was agreed although the Chief Executive will “put the words together” in the letter.

BBC Local Democracy asked Downing Street why was the table taken after the G8 summit, and if this was the agreed position in advance? Also, will the council's request to return it to what they say is the rightful home be considered, to allow the public to enjoy this important piece of local and political history, of which Fermanagh is very proud?

Initially a Downing Street spokesperson referred to a BBC article in which Mr Cameron explained his decision to commission and retain the table.

As this didn’t answer the questions a further response was sought to which Downing Street replied the article explains the context of how the table came to be in Downing Street.

It was confirmed the table remains in what was Margaret Thatcher’s study and hasn’t moved since it arrived.

The response concluded, “This government has not received a request to move it and we have no plans to do so.”

Notably the reply did not address the point on whether the taking of the table after the summit was agreed in advance.