A republican group in Strabane has objected to the town's bid to become the UK's first Town of Culture, saying the 'UK' label is inappropriate for an Irish town.

Derry City and Strabane District Council earlier this year put Strabane forward for the inaugural UK Town of Culture competition. The town has been shortlisted to the final 15 from almost 400 entries and will receive £60,000 to develop a full bid. An overall winner will be announced early next year, receiving a £3 million government grant for a year-long programme of cultural events in 2028.

Cairde Strabane, a community-based charity representing republican ex-prisoners and their families, says residents were not consulted about the 'UK' designation. A spokesperson stated that as an Irish republican group, they do not accept the term 'UK' being associated with an Irish town. They asked when Strabane consented to the label and claimed the majority of people would have rejected it.

The group acknowledged that Strabane has culture worth celebrating but argued that the bid involves giving up national identity for money. They questioned whether the town's history of resistance to British occupation was for this, asserting that national identity should not have a price.

Independent councillor Paul Gallagher also expressed discomfort with the 'UK' inclusion, saying he has had to hold his nose when seeking investment from the British Treasury, noting that most funding for local projects comes from that source rather than the Dublin government.

Strabane's bid remains active, with the council supporting the effort to secure the title and associated funding.