McGlinchey’s comments a ‘clear breach’ of Code of Conduct: DUP

A DUP Alderman has told The Times that his party has called for ‘urgent action’ to be taken on Sinn Fein councillor Sean McGlinchey.

During Tuesday night’s meeting, the Sinn Fein councillor said that he was ‘an ex-IRA man’ and that he was ‘proud of it’.

Alderman Sam Cole said that the member’s comments were a ‘clear breach’ of the Statutory Code of Conduct.

“I’m requesting that a collective corporate complaint should be forwarded to the N.Ireland Ombudsman for action.

“A formal proposal to that effect was put forward by me and seconded by Ald. Finlay after the initial remarks at the meeting.

“McGlinchey breached standing orders and launched a tirade of abuse and threats against our Environmental Officer.

“Later in proceedings he also interrupted Alderman Finlay’s contribution to councillor Quigley’s motion and told those present he was a proud member of the IRA.

“This was an appalling, reprehensible comment given the member’s past conviction for the mass murder of six innocent civilians in Coleraine in 1973 and the injuring of 33 others, many seriously.

“It also brings into question his penitence and remorse expressed in previous statements to the people of Coleraine in the Press.

“There must be urgent sanction to address this appalling behaviour and conduct, which has only served to bring our new Council into disrepute.