Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor challenges Sinn Fein councillor over ‘inappropriate’ comment

An “inappropriate” remark by a Sinn Fein councillor at a remote meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on Monday evening has provoked anger among members.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The shot came after three motions were proposed by the SDLP seconded by party colleagues.

Speaking after a motion was put forward by Deputy Mayor Councillor Noreen McClelland for the establishment of a taskforce by the Communities Minister to tackle child poverty, Glengormley Councillor Michael Goodman said: “No-one can in good conscience argue against the need to deal with child poverty.

“It is not the only poverty we are facing.”

Mayor Cllr Jim MontgomeryMayor Cllr Jim Montgomery
Mayor Cllr Jim Montgomery

Rounding on the SDLP, he stated: “It is indicative of the way these motions are brought forward by the SDLP that they do not seem to recognise that DfC is actually working on a strategy that will be to alleviate poverty facing the elderly and disability, poverty generally, in our communities.

“It is a bit like the question ‘When did you stop beating your wife Mr Mayor? The target is the Department for Communities. Not taking cognisance that it has been the mainstay of support for families and communities since the beginning of Covid.”

He accused the SDLP of “trying to make a political point by focusing on child poverty”.

Responding to the Sinn Fein councillor’s comments, Cllr McClelland , an ambassador for Women’s Aid, said: “I am deeply offended by what Cllr Goodman has said.”

She described his remark as “ill-advised” and “not something someone of his standing should be coming out with”.

“His attitude is ongoing,” she stated.

“This issue is something I feel is extremely important. That is why I brought this issue. I am not getting at any department.”

Cllr Goodman continued: “There are a lot of motions coming through this council that really have nothing much to do with council.”

Responding to the remark, Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor Councillor Jim Montgomery, an Ulster Unionist, said that he advised the Sinn Fein councillor to “think of a different analogy”.

“I am not married and I do not commit violence against anyone. It is a totally inappropriate analogy.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

Click here to read: £35k digital poverty support scheme for Antrim and Newtownabbey schools

--

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.