Mayor's conduct during a council vote on 'innocent victims' is being assessed by Commissioner
The Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh is being assessed by a public watchdog over conduct claims.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that an allegation has been made against Alliance Alderman Amanda Grehan following a chamber vote on “innocent victims” of the Troubles on October 28.
It has been suggested that the Mayor, who chaired the meeting, cast her deciding vote in a manner against the code of conduct.
The NI Local Government Commissioner’s Office confirmed, saying: “We have received an allegation regarding the Local Government Code of Conduct relating to a councillor in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. The allegation is now being assessed.”
The background to the complaint centred around a DUP motion to write to Justice Minister Naomi Long to ask her to apologise for suggesting the term ‘innocent victims’ should be changed to ‘victims’ when considering Troubles legacy matters.
A recorded vote was called in the council chamber with an even split of 18 on each side of the motion, this required Mayor Amanda Grehan to cast the deciding vote.
At this point she said: "I need to vote with my party.”
The LDRS understands that the complaint has been made by another LCCC councillor.
Speaking to the LDRS, Mayor Grehan said: “At the council meeting on October 28, I exercised my casting vote, as permitted under the council’s standing orders, to break a tied vote.
“My casting vote was consistent with the position I had already taken during the initial vote.
“I am aware of the complaint brought forward by a councillor and I will be awaiting the commissioner’s response and have no further comment at this time.”
LCCC Alliance group leader, Alderman Aaron McIntyre added: “The Mayor acted entirely within the rules of the council and within the Local Government Code of Conduct.
“Councillors are elected on policy platforms and are entitled to vote in line with those positions. The issue here relates to an off-the-cuff remark, not the substance of the decision.
“The Mayor’s vote was taken on the merits of the item and in the public interest, consistent with the duties of the chair.”