PUBLIC authorities are usually extremely keen to promote their big cash projects, but not this time.
Belfast City Council's initial £120,000 funding package to help communities during the coronavirus pandemic has been conspicuously low-key.
There was no press release announcement, unlike several other councils which proudly detailed their significant spending plans.
It can today be revealed how that money was divided up. Among the recipients is a UDA-linked organisation, and several community groups with Sinn Féin connections.
With council meetings suspended during the crisis, the decision was made behind closed doors by senior officials and party group leaders.
Privately some voluntary and charitable groups have expressed surprise and questioned the rationale of how this tranche of funding has been allocated.
The council has faced questions before over how it distributes funding, such as its £500,000 'bonfire diversion' fund which was branded a DUP-Sinn Féin "carve-up" by their political opponents.
Across the north, the Covid-19 crisis has seen many selfless acts to help the most vulnerable.
It must be stressed that this coronavirus fund is bound to be used in wholly worthwhile causes with the best of intentions for communities, such as assembling and delivering essential food supplies.
There is also no suggestion that funding has been improperly awarded in this case.
But in this time of crisis – and with many experienced charities facing a collapse in their donations – it is important that councils demonstrate and ensure public money is being directed where it is most appropriate and most effective.
This will help ensure those of greatest need benefit from these resources, rather than falling through the cracks.
Belfast council said the funds were allocated "in accordance with governance arrangements".
It is set to distribute a larger spending package mostly provided by the Department for Communities.
Many will be watching closely to see how the funding is divided up.
