'THE MOST HATED MAN IN LISBURN'

'THE most hated man in Lisburn' were the words used to describe Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Butler at a meeting of Lisburn City Council.

The claim came during Tuesday night's monthly meeting from veteran UUP Alderman Ivan Davis during a discussion on a band parade in Stoneyford on St Patrick's day.

hile Alliance Councillor Trevor Lunn took the opportunity to welcome the parade passing peacefully Councillor Butler criticised the event taking place.

In response Mr Davis said: "Councillor Butler continues on this theme he has been on about for the last 10 years. This will not change. He is the most hated man in the Lisburn area."

Speaking after the meeting Mr Davis explained his comments. "At parade times Councillor Butler seems to raise his head in different places," he said. "I can only go by comments relayed to me at that particular time of the year."

Responding to Mr Davis' remarks, Mr Butler said: "These comments are designed to divert attention from unionism and its failure to try and address and stand up to the loyalist thugs who have carried out a campaign of intimidation on Catholics in Stoneyford.

"Unionists react when issues are raised by myself. They aren't pro-active. What I was saying was that Unionists have a part to play - they are elected representatives and should be reassuring people in the area that they want to see an end to this.

"Mr Davis' comment doesn't hold any water. I'm elected to represent Lagan Valley and many people voted for me in the election. We have a mandate to represent these people who are being intimidated and I won't be deflected from doing this."

During the meeting DUP Alderman Edwin Poots told Mr Butler to "grow up".

He said: "Councillor Lunn had said he was quite impressed with the events in Stoneyford on St Patrick's Night, while Councillor Butler criticised the parade. The comments are telling. Councillor Lunn was impartial while Councillor Butler stokes tensions.

"Despite the peaceful situation on St Patrick's he still seeks to criticise. It is time to demonstrate political maturity and allow things to calm down. I think things are better in Stoneyford. We are aware of the problems which exist but things are getting better. Yet Mr Butler criticises. Reflect and grow up and stop behaving like an adolescent politician."