News

Unionist council move to favour Somme over Rising challenged

Trevor Clarke
Trevor Clarke Trevor Clarke

A UNIONIST-controlled council’s decision to fund Battle of the Somme commemorations while excluding Easter Rising centenary events has been formally challenged.

Sinn Féin has launched a 'call-in' of Causeway Coast and Glens’ borough council’s decision to give £34,000 to two Somme commemorations after it rescinded a proposal to include the Easter Rising in funding.

The 'call-in' procedure means all funding will be frozen until the council’s chief executive obtains advice on the legality of the proposal.

Last month, DUP council member, Trevor Clarke proposed that £24,000 be given to the Ballymoney cultural and historical society and a further £7,000 to Coleraine Royal British Legion with another £9,000 put aside for other Somme commemoration.

However, his proposal was defeated when a Sinn Féin amendment that the Easter Rising be included in funding was adopted.

Last week, DUP and UUP councillors overturned the amendment at a special council meeting and Mr Clarke’s original proposal was carried.

Now Sinn Féin’s Philip McGuigan has launched the 'call-in' on the grounds that unionists breached council procedure.

Mr McGuigan said the unionist move would also adversely affect nationalists and republicans in the area.

He said it was not acceptable for groups to approach political parties for funding rather than going through proper procedures.

"They (unionists) overturned a previous decision that would have allowed all groups within the borough wishing to organise events the opportunity to apply for funding on an equal basis and with proper criteria attached to the process," he said.

Mr McGuigan said unionist councillors needed to realise the council was not just "about them or their interests."

However, DUP member,Mr Clarke accused Sinn Féin of being "mischievous and divisive."

He said: "Sinn Fein is trying to frustrate the process of council lending its support to significant, well planned proposals from community groups in Coleraine and Ballymoney, against the will of the majority of members of the council."

Mr Clarke said the Coleraine project involved commemorating both the Ulster and Irish divisions which took part in the Somme.

He said the Ballymoney project centred on a study of a cenotaph working with local primary schools.

The row over commemorations follows the move by unionist members to block the building of a new leisure and sports centre in Dungiven.

The issue is likely to be raised again next Tuesday when the council will discuss a Sinn Féin proposal linked to the 1916 Easter Rising commemoration.