Northern Ireland

Unionists condemn Derry council British army proposal

Independent councillor, Gary Donnelly proposed that Derry City and Strabane District Council call on schools not to invite the British army to employment recruitment events.
Independent councillor, Gary Donnelly proposed that Derry City and Strabane District Council call on schools not to invite the British army to employment recruitment events. Independent councillor, Gary Donnelly proposed that Derry City and Strabane District Council call on schools not to invite the British army to employment recruitment events.

UNIONIST politicians have condemned calls for schools in the north west to stop inviting the British army to careers events.

Derry City and Strabane District Council backed a proposal by independent member Gary Donnelly.

He asked the council to urge education facilities "to refuse British armed forces access to children/pupils".

His proposal was passed with the support of Sinn Féin while SDLP members abstained and unionists opposed the move.

DUP assembly member, Gary Middleton said the move was an example of “an extremely divisive agenda” being promoted by the council.

“It should be noted that the council has absolutely no power to enforce this or tell local schools what to do," he said.

Ulster Unionist assembly member, Doug Beattie criticised Sinn Féin’s support for the proposal.

Mr Beattie said the proposal left Sinn Féin calls for respect and equality “in tatters.”

"The actions of their councillors in backing this motion sends a clear message to what they ironically call their unionist brothers and sisters – that is, you are not welcome now and you are not welcome in the future and you will never be welcome in any united Ireland in which we have any influence," he said.