The question of "is it Derry or Londonderry" is about to explode again. A demand from Sinn Féin to have the official name of the city changed from Londonderry to Derry is to be debated by the city council next week, it was revealed today.
A previous effort by nationalists in the 1980s failed, but led to the council changing its name from Londonderry City Council to Derry City Council in 1984.
It is very much a political issue with nationalists and republicans always using the name Derry and unionists and loyalists Londonderry - despite thousands of loyalists annually marching proudly behind the banners of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.
The council name change led to a massive protest from unionists, many of whom still refuse to call the council by its proper name.
Now Sinn Féin councillor Mr Barney O'Hagan plans to stir the pot again. He said he plans to bring a motion before the council next Tuesday calling for the name change of the city to Derry and for it to be processed as quickly as possible.
He said it was "time to grasp the nettle and show leadership".
Mr O'Hagan insisted his move was not political. He said it had been shown by various consultants' reports that in marketing the city "there is a problem with the mixed message we are sending out over identity".
But the Democratic Unionist Mr William Hay said it was being proposed to anger unionists.
"Here is a group of people that are driven by everything that is anti-unionist and anti-British.
PA