Draperstown Sinn Fein councillor '˜is not Northern Irish'

South Derry Sinn Féin councillor Brian McGuigan has found himself at the centre of a nationality row...and has received a prompt apology.
Councillor Brian McGuigan at the Plantin in Draperstown.INMM0614-369SRCouncillor Brian McGuigan at the Plantin in Draperstown.INMM0614-369SR
Councillor Brian McGuigan at the Plantin in Draperstown.INMM0614-369SR

Companies House said sorry for describing the Draperstown man as ‘Northern Irish’ for his involvement in several local businesses.

The party said the Mid Ulster councillor filled out his nationality as Irish, but it appeared to have been changed to ‘Northern Irish.’

Companies House said Mr McGuigan was not recorded as Irish due to an “administrative error”.

A spokesperson explained: “Both appointments for Mr McGuigan now show his nationality as ‘Irish’. The recent filing made by Magherafelt District Advice Services Limited to change his nationality to ‘Irish’ has been registered.

“In the case of his first appointment, we can confirm that there was an administrative error as the paper form shows ‘Irish’ and our records showed ‘Northern Irish’.

“We can only apologise for that error. Our records have been amended and are now accurate.”

Councillor McGuigan said he was glad the record has been set straight.

“Companies House have apologised for having wrongly recorded my nationality as ‘Northern Irish’ and described their action as an ‘administrative error,’” he told the Mail.

“I am glad that the record has been set straight and that both my appointments listed with Companies House have my nationality now accurately recorded as Irish.”

Meanwhile it has emerged that nearly two-thirds of councillors have failed to declare property and business interests, while more than 100 have not disclosed their involvement in registered businesses.

Councillors are required to complete declaration forms to help assure the public that decisions are not being made for their own personal or financial benefit.

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