Moyle-Gaza ‘twinning’ stays in place

The 15-member nationalist-controlled council previously supported twinning on March 12 when seven councillors - all nationalists - backed the proposal and six councillors - five Unionists along with Independent... councillor Randal McDonnell - voted against.

On Monday night Cllr Baird called on the Council to change its decision.

Supporters of the ‘twinning’ say it will bring humanitarian aid to Gaza but opponents believe the move makes a one-sided political statement in the Middle East conflict.

Cllr Baird said: “This (original) resolution came in a week when there was an escalation of deadly violence and terror in the Palestinian-Israel conflict. We should not take sides or lend support to one party in what is essentially a war zone.

“Any tangible help must be channelled through the international aid agencies who are experts in this field. The proposed ‘Twinning’ will not promote good relations in our community in Moyle. We should now revoke the decision taken on 12 March 2012 without delay,” said Cllr Baird.

The original proposal to twin Moyle with Gaza was first tabled by Council Chairperson, Cllr Padraig McShane (Independent), who previously went with aid to the Middle East with the ‘Antrim to Gaza’ group.

On Monday night as seven nationalists - three Sinn Fein, two SDLP and two Independents - voted to continue twinning with Gaza and six Unionists (three UUP, two DUP and one TUV) and Independent Randal McDonnell voted against the link, Chairman McShane used his casting vote to ensure the twinning remains in place.