AN online campaign has been set up to mark 50 years since Derry was snubbed for a university expansion.
Five decades on and the city is still campaigning; this time against a Stormont administration without the resources to help.
Now campaigners are building up to protest at the decision half a century ago to build a new University of Ulster in Coleraine instead of Derry.
In protest on February 18, 1965, the entire city of Derry virtually closed down and a motorised convoy of 1,500 vehicles drove the 90 miles to Stormont to protest, but it was to no avail.
A Facebook campaign – 50 years on, let’s get it done, expand Magee now – has almost 2,000 followers in just four days.
Those behind it say they will be launching a ‘Thunderclap’ campaign today.
“A Thunderclap is an online vehicle that will allow us all in one, united voice to send the message loud and clear that we are demanding the immediate expansion of Magee. No more excuses,” it said.
Our Thunderclap will be set for 11am on Tuesday 10 February, the fiftieth anniversary of the Lockwood Commission Report.
People will be able to sign up for the online protest from today on the Facebook page.
“This is only the first initiative we are spearheading. There will be much more to follow in the days and weeks ahead,” they added.
You can also find the protest group at @ExpandMageeNow; our hashtags are #ExpandMageeNow#50YearsOn
Current higher education minister Stephen Farry says Stormont doesn’t have any money to expand Magee.