Northern Ireland

Sinn Féin councillor claims she was 'verbally attacked and harassed' during park discussion

Sinn Féin's Roisin Mulgrew claimed she was "verbally attacked and harassed" at a council meeting
Sinn Féin's Roisin Mulgrew claimed she was "verbally attacked and harassed" at a council meeting Sinn Féin's Roisin Mulgrew claimed she was "verbally attacked and harassed" at a council meeting

A SINN Féin councillor has claimed she was "verbally attacked and harassed" during discussions about a park project in Newry.

Roisin Mulgrew, chair of Newry, Mourne and Down district council, said she was subjected to "abusive behaviour" by other councillors and members of the public after she referred a motion to a committee for further discussion.

The motion had called for the council to confirm its commitment to a 15-acre park at the Albert Basin site and was brought forward by SDLP councillor Gary Stokes, independent Jarlath Tinnelly, David Taylor of the UUP and Alliance's Patrick Brown.

The council-owned land has lain derelict for several years, but proposals would see it developed into a city park.

The project has gained widespread public support with a petition signed by more than 11,000 people.

Ms Mulgrew claimed she "properly referred (the motion) to the relevant committee" during a council meeting on Monday, but was subjected to verbal attack.

"The abusive and aggressive behaviour directed towards me tonight from members of the public and other elected councillors, as I adhered to council procedures, is a disgrace," she said.

"I was verbally attacked and harassed for performing my legal duties and facilitating agreed council standing orders. As I left the building I had to run the gauntlet to escape harassment from members of the public gallery.

"This behaviour is despicable and is unprecedented in the modern history of Newry, Mourne and Down district council.

"The councillors behind this motion have known for some time that council rules, which they agreed to, wouldn’t allow a vote to take place on their motion.

"Council officials informed them of this fact ahead of meeting."

Mr Stokes rejected Ms Mulgrew's claims.

"I don't believe any councillors were abusive. I know that members of the public did clap, but I don't believe there was abusive behaviour," he said.

"But if Roisin believes that this was the case, then she would be aware of the mechanism of the ombudsman and she should take it to the ombudsman.

"I would back her up on being able to avail of this mechanism."

Mr Tinnelly said it was "shocking how quickly the debate descended into farce".

"Surely the most appropriate forum to discuss this very important proposal was in front of the full council where all councillors would have a say on the issue, rather than divert it off to one of the statutory committees," he said.

"One is left to conclude that this was done for no other reason than to kick it down the road and hope that momentum towards delivery of the park is lost as a result."

A council spokeswoman said yesterday that in accordance with standing orders, the matter was "referred to the Strategic Projects Working Group for initial discussion", with the group to report to the council's strategy, policy and resources committee next month.

She added: "At present, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has received no formal complaint regarding conduct at the council meeting held on October 2 2017.

"Any formal complaints received will be treated in accordance with council policy."