Antrim and Newtownabbey: Sinn Fein trio to be referred to commissioner over alleged breach of councillors' code linked to Garvaghy Road protest
Antrim and Newtownabbey Unionist and Independent councillors voted to refer three Sinn Fein members to a standards watchdog over an alleged breach of the Code of Conduct for Councillors in relation to a protest at Garvaghy Road, Portadown.
Speaking at a council meeting on Monday, DUP group leader Airport Alderman Matthew Magill proposed “a matter of grave concern” be put to members following, what he described, as a “potential alleged breach of Councillors’ Code of Conduct by members in recent days”.
A protest is taking place at Garvaghy Road against an Orange Order parade which was due to take place on Sunday.
Ald Magill’s proposal was seconded by Macedon Ulster Unionist Cllr Robert Foster and carried with DUP, Ulster Unionist and three Independent councillors in favour with Sinn Fein members and SDLP Cllr Roisin Lynch, against and abstentions from Alliance.
Ald Magill said he wished to raise what he described as “potential misconduct of several of our councillors over the weekend”, but did not want to get into the “political context”.
He expressed “profound concern” over the alleged sighting of several councillors, whom he claimed, were “within the vicinity of an unlawful and illegal protest”.
He said the issue was “unprecedented” and the conduct of councillors must not bring their position into disrepute.
He cited the names of Councillors Taylor McGrann, Macedon; Maighréad Ní Chonghaile, Airport and Eamonn McLaughlin, Glengormley, regarding whom, he believed, the council should write to the Commissioner for Standards to investigate whether or not any breaches have been committed in relation to the Code of Conduct for Councillors.
Cllr Foster noted: “The rule of law applies to everyone in council in Northern Ireland. This council has a duty to hold ourselves in the highest regard.”
However, Glengormley Sinn Fein Cllr Rosie Kinnear said: “I feel it is entirely inappropriate to ask this council to report another councillor to the ombudsman. We answer to the electorate. It is not for us to report each other as a corporate body.”
Party colleague Glengormley Cllr Michael Goodman stated: “There is absolutely no reason for this to be brought into this chamber in this way. ”
He went on to say if a member has any complaint, they should have the “courage of their convictions to make a complaint in their own name and not hide behind the council”.
Cllr Lynch, an Antrim representative, voiced disappointment the proposal was before councillors and at a time when tensions should not be heightened. She said it could have been done differently through dialogue and not in the chamber.
Ald Magill responded: “I believe this is a profound matter of importance to this chamber and public confidence in this chamber and this organisation.”
Cllr McGrann said: “I believe these are allegations.” He added he has not been contacted by anybody.
“What the councillor is referring to is in regard to Garvaghy Road. For 28 years, that community has lived in relative peace. It is something that is history and should remain history.”
In a vote to write to the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards, 20 DUP, Ulster Unionist and Independent councillors were in favour, with seven abstentions by Alliance and six Sinn Fein members and the SDLP councillor, against.
Cllrs McLaughlin and Ní Chonghaile have been asked for a comment.