Council split over funding of Gaza group

MOYLE Council has split over giving a £225 seeding grant to a new group called 'Antrim to Gaza'.

The object of the group, with which Independent councillor Paudie McShane is involved, is ‘to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza to include medicine, educational and other essential goods for the civilian population. To highlight the current humanitarian crises unfolding in Gaza and Palestine. To support calls for the blockage of Gaza to end. To enhance numerous skills of those taking part in the activities of the group.’

The group is applying for assistance with the cost of stationery, printing and advertising.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cllr McShane withdrew from the chamber while the matter was considered.

DUP councillor Robert McIlroy said if you are going to highlight something you have to look at problems on both sides of the argument.

Independent councillor Randal McDonnell said that while it may be considered worthy “it is not our business” and he added: ‘It doesn’t benefit Moyle’.

When it came to a vote six nationalist councillor including three Sinn Fein, two SDLP and Independent councillor Seamus Blaney voted for and three councillors voted against - the DUP duo of Robert McIlroy and George Hartin and Cllr McDonnell.