Unionist attempt over Drumcree fails at council
UNIONISTS have failed in an attempt to get Craigavon Borough Council to send a letter to the Northern Ireland Parades Commission in support of the Drumcree parade.
Craigavon numbers are usually stacked 15-10 for unionists against nationalists-republicans so support for a unionist-led motion would normally be straightforward. But the recent vote ended 10-9 against because several unionist members failed to attend the meeting.
The debate followed the commission’s refusal to meet the full council after a recent request, replying that a get-together with the council’s five party group leaders would be more acceptable.
The DUP’s Alderman Sydney Anderson led the debate, stating, “We need to resolve the Drumcree issue. They keep running away, but they must meet the full council and tell us their plans to resolve this issue that has been going on for almost 15 years. They’ve done nothing. This isn’t a dead duck. Let them come and debate.”
Mr Anderson then proposed that another letter should be sent.
Alderman Stephen Moutray pointed out that £6m was being spent on the Public Park, under the pretext it should be a shared space, but that nearby Garvaghy Road “was nothing of the sport”.
Councillor Jonny McGibbon said that the park project had nothing to do with Drumcree, adding, “This is all a nonsense. The commission has already responded to our original letter and is willing to meet party leaders”, while Councillor Liam Mackle said that the commission had no part in the park project.
The vote was then taken, and the Anderson proposal was defeated.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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