The Northern Irish Government has ruled out changing the name 'Londonderry'.

The change was proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Eric McGinley after thousands of people signed a petition calling for the official title to become just 'Derry'.

Campaigners said "Londonderry" caused social and political problems, reminding victims of atrocities in a city scarred by the Troubles and Bloody Sunday.

However Government spokesman Lord Dunlop, said: "At this time the Government does not intend to change the name of the City."

Ulster Unionist representative Julia Kee launched a competing petition to promote the existing name, arguing that closer ties with England's capital would benefit the city.

The London prefix was added to Derry when the city was granted a Royal Charter by King James 1st in 1613. In 1984, the name of the council was changed to Derry City Council, but the city itself must be changed through legislation or Royal prerogative.