Council promoting 'Irish-ism' says councillor after Jubilee motion rejected

A local councillor has said unionists 'receive nothing' from Council after his motion to hold a programme of events for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee was rejected by fellow councillors.

Cllr Clement Cuthbertson's motion, which also included a proposal to write a letter of congratulations t to the Queen, came before a full meeting of Mid Ulster District Council last week.

During a lengthy address, Cllr Cuthbertson highlighted the work done by the Queen for charitable causes and said it was 'only right' that that the Council recognised her Platinum Jubilee.

Referring to correspondence from Michael Gove MP, he mentioned the possibility of holding street parties and large screen events.

“It is only right that this council, along with every other local authority across the UK and the Commonwealth worldwide, recongises this remarkable service,” he said.

“We have an events space at the top of the market square and we're always looking for ways of bringing people into the town.

“What better way to support our wonderful hospitality businesses in the middle of the summer than to organise a screening of some of the events on a large screen?”

A number of unionist councillors spoke in support of the motion, with Cllr Wilbert Buchanan praising the Queen's 'service and sacrifice' over her 70-year reign.

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However, the motion failed to find favour with nationalist councillors.

Sinn Féin's Cathal Mallaghan said he did not object to Council sending a letter to the Queen, but said there was an 'understanding' as to how 'these type of events' were dealt with.

“We ask the community to do this on our behalf as a civic authority, and that has been the case now since this council has begun,” he said.

“It was the case for events on the topic of 1916, among other things. We had funding opportunities for the community to take advantage of and put on events.

“That is our Good Relations, our community festivals, and that's how I feel this type of event should be taken forward.

“It is at your discretion should you wish to write a letter to the Queen to mark this event, and that's totally to yourself, but we won't be able to support the motion.”

After SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn also spoke against the motion, saying funding streams were available for those who wished to celebrate, a vote was taken.

The motion was defeated by 24 votes to 14, leaving Cllr Cuthbertson 'very disappointed'.

“This refusal is clearly out of touch with the world stage and sends out a clear signal of the approach and attitude here in Mid Ulster,” he said.

“Once again, unionists are receiving nothing out of this council. We had next to nothing of any meaning to celebrate the centenary in 2021 and now in 2022, it's the same message.

“Good relations does not exist in this council. There are hundreds and thousands being spent on this council to promote Irish and Irish-ism across our branding.

“All we ask is for our fair share, we're not asking for more than that. We're a week or two away from striking the rates.

“Why would any unionist rate payer consider there would be an increase in rates for this area when the unionist people are getting zero out of this Council?” he added.

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