Unionist in Council 'walk-out'

ULSTER Unionust councillor Willie Graham last night (Monday) walked out of a meeting of Moyle Council after a row erupted over what he branded a "nationalist" funding project run by the council.

Several thousand pounds have been handed out through the 'Community Infrastructure Fund' to several organisations including GAA clubs, Armoy Roads and Greenlight gateway.

Cllr Graham said apart from the last two organisations the fund was "only serving one side of the community. This is a nationalist fund".

Nationalist councillors denied that and said any organisation can apply to the fund and a Council officer said all groups are made aware of the fund.

Cllr Graham said he wanted Council staff to prepare a list of where funding has gone in the last three years but that was blocked by nationalist councillors after a vote prompting Cllr Graham's walkout. DUP councillor David McAllister didn't comment but left at the same time.

SDLP councillor Orla Black said Cllr Graham was raising community tension by calling it a "nationalist fund".

Proposing not to release the information, Sinn Fein's Oliver McMullan said it would make work for Council staff.

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