Councillors oppose involvement of British Armed Forces at Derry Jobs Fair

The presence of the British Armed Forces at an upcoming jobs fair in Derry has been opposed.
Local councillors objected to the British military potentially having a stand at next week's employment showcase in Foyle Arena.
The Derry Job Fair is due to be held on Tuesday, September 9 and is a chance for individuals to chat to employers, learn about vacancies that exist in the council area and enhance their employment prospects through practical advice and support.
The Job Fair is hosted by the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership.
The issue of the British military's presence at the jobs fair was raised at Tuesday's Derry and Strabane District Council's Governance and Strategic Planning Committee meeting in the Guildhall.
Councillors were told that a request had been made by DfC to include the Armed Forces in next week's job fair.
Council's Director of Business & Culture, Stephen Gillespie revealed that council chief executive John Kelpie had received a letter from the Permanent Secretary for the Department for Communities, Colum Boyle seeking a decision from council about the matter by the close of business today (Thursday).
However, due to its “sensitive” nature, Mr Gillespie sought a “steer” from councillors over the issue which would be relayed back to DfC.
Sinn Fein councillor Christopher Jackson said it was “extremely frustrating” that the DfC Permanent Secretary would apply “such pressure” on the council to allow the Armed Forces to attend the Jobs Fair.
Cllr Jackson said his party “fully supports” the Job Fair but it was “not a place for British military propaganda”.
He added: “The British military has had a negative impact in this island over centuries and they're not welcome in this island. And from our perspective, they're not welcome in any council event or venue.”
Cllr Jackson said the Armed Forces “should never feature” at any Jobs Fair and his party would not “encourage any young people from our city and district” to join the British military.
SDLP councillor Brian Tierney said his party would not be supportive of the Armed Forces attending the Jobs Fair.
He said there is “ample opportunity” for any young people who want to join the British military but a council backed event was not the place for recruitment.
Cllr Tierney also raised security concerns surrounding the Foyle Arena if the Armed Forces were allowed to attend due to the potential risk of protests.
“I don't believe that we would have the opportunity to look at potential security risks or threats to that event,” Cllr Tierney said.
People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said DfC minister Gordon Lyons was “being divisive” on the issue.
Independent councillor Gary Donnelly said the “vast majority” of people he represents see the British army as an “occupying force”.
He said cemeteries across Derry and Ireland were filled with people murdered by the British army.
Cllr Donnelly added that allowing the Armed Forces to attend the fair would go against council's corporate policy and create “anger and fury” among the public.
He said: “I think all armed groups should stay out of council premises and out of schools. But if this council allows the British army to take part, in order to recruit children, strip them down psychologically and train them to be killers, then it's absolutely morally wrong and if there's a protest I'll be at it, as will I believe many many other people throughout this city.”
Ulster Unionist councillor Derek Hussey described the comments by previous speakers as “sheer hatred and bigotry”.
Alderman Hussey spoke of his pride in his family's military history.
“From what I've heard today (Tuesday) from colleagues just tears the heart out of me. To think of folk who have had the courage to wear the uniform of constitutional forces of their particular country in such a way is disgraceful. It's a shame on every single one of you,” he said.
He added that he would encourage any young people to join the British Armed Forces.
DUP councillor Chelsea Cooke echoed Alderman Hussey's comments.
Alderman Cooke said: “Myself and my party colleagues fully support the Armed Forces coming to the Jobs Fair. I know many young people who are interested in joining the British Army and our young people should be allowed this opportunity. We need to be seen to be inclusive and we need to give them these opportunities.”
SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid said the involvement of the Armed Forces “would put people off” attending the event.
Director of Business & Culture, Stephen Gillespie said that he would relay the comments of councillors to DfC. A paper will also be brought to committee about future jobs fair, to allow councillors to debate, vote and agree on a formal position on the issue going forward.