Menu
30/09/2008
Bid For Clerics' Honour Fails
Limavady councillors have voted down plans to offer-up the Freedom of the Borough to two local clergymen - one of whom was forced to flee the area in 1984.
Nationalist councillors proposed the motion at a special council meeting yesterday.
Reverend David Armstrong received threats against his life after a public gesture of cross-community cohesion at Christmas, 25 years ago.
A handshake between Mr Armstrong and the local Catholic Priest Father Kevin Mullan was enough to spark outrage within some sections of the Protestant community.
Mr Armstrong was labelled a "Lundy" by some angry local people, and he later moved away to England with his family.
Last night councillors rejected calls to grant Mr Armstrong and Father Mullan the honour of Freedom of the Borough.
Despite gaining a positive vote of eight to six – the motion was not carried, as it failed to get the two-thirds support necessary.
Councillor Michael Coyle, of the SDLP, who brought forward the item, expressed disappointment at the outcome.
"There's nothing to stop me doing the same thing again in 10 days time, but I don't think attitudes are going to change in that time - they have been deep rooted for the last 25 years," he told the waiting press.
Angry at the result, Mr Coyle was puzzled about what his "unionist colleagues were doing".
"What is really disappointing and what angers me is that not one unionist councillor spoke at the debate.
"I'm sure this will be a great disappointment to both David Armstong and Fr Mullan.
"This was a unique opportunity to offer the Freedom of the Borough, which has never been done before in Limavady," added Mr Coyle.
Unionist councillors leaving the meeting declined to make any comments to the media regarding their decision.
(PR)
Nationalist councillors proposed the motion at a special council meeting yesterday.
Reverend David Armstrong received threats against his life after a public gesture of cross-community cohesion at Christmas, 25 years ago.
A handshake between Mr Armstrong and the local Catholic Priest Father Kevin Mullan was enough to spark outrage within some sections of the Protestant community.
Mr Armstrong was labelled a "Lundy" by some angry local people, and he later moved away to England with his family.
Last night councillors rejected calls to grant Mr Armstrong and Father Mullan the honour of Freedom of the Borough.
Despite gaining a positive vote of eight to six – the motion was not carried, as it failed to get the two-thirds support necessary.
Councillor Michael Coyle, of the SDLP, who brought forward the item, expressed disappointment at the outcome.
"There's nothing to stop me doing the same thing again in 10 days time, but I don't think attitudes are going to change in that time - they have been deep rooted for the last 25 years," he told the waiting press.
Angry at the result, Mr Coyle was puzzled about what his "unionist colleagues were doing".
"What is really disappointing and what angers me is that not one unionist councillor spoke at the debate.
"I'm sure this will be a great disappointment to both David Armstong and Fr Mullan.
"This was a unique opportunity to offer the Freedom of the Borough, which has never been done before in Limavady," added Mr Coyle.
Unionist councillors leaving the meeting declined to make any comments to the media regarding their decision.
(PR)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 March 2010
Air Show Takes Off
Despite 'crashing' due to lack of Council funds - the famous Portrush airshow has now been saved at the 11th hour by local businesses. The September event, which attracts up to 200,000 visitors each year -and featured the iconic Red Arrows in 2009, (pictured) - had been cancelled for the first time this year due to a lack of funding.
Air Show Takes Off
Despite 'crashing' due to lack of Council funds - the famous Portrush airshow has now been saved at the 11th hour by local businesses. The September event, which attracts up to 200,000 visitors each year -and featured the iconic Red Arrows in 2009, (pictured) - had been cancelled for the first time this year due to a lack of funding.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
24 May 2002
Trust to meet councillors over fate of Causeway
The National Trust (NT) has rejected suggestions that it is not moving quickly enough to resolve the future of the Visitor's Centre at the Giant's Causeway and revealed that it will meet with Moyle councillors on Monday night.
Trust to meet councillors over fate of Causeway
The National Trust (NT) has rejected suggestions that it is not moving quickly enough to resolve the future of the Visitor's Centre at the Giant's Causeway and revealed that it will meet with Moyle councillors on Monday night.
02 July 2001
ALLOWANCE INCREASE FOR LOCAL COUNCILLORS
DISTRICT Councils are to be permitted to increase the allowances paid to their councillors by approximately 30 per cent with effect from 1 July 2001. Minister of the Environment Sam Foster made the announcement following a review of councillors’ existing remuneration.
ALLOWANCE INCREASE FOR LOCAL COUNCILLORS
DISTRICT Councils are to be permitted to increase the allowances paid to their councillors by approximately 30 per cent with effect from 1 July 2001. Minister of the Environment Sam Foster made the announcement following a review of councillors’ existing remuneration.
13 January 2010
Robinson Prompts Council Inquiry
Members of Castlereagh Council will outline the terms of an inquiry into allegations over financial dealings by Iris Robinson later. Mrs Robinson, a borough Alderman, (pictured here with her husband 'former' NI First Minister, Peter) is accused of accepting donations without reporting them to the correct authorities.
Robinson Prompts Council Inquiry
Members of Castlereagh Council will outline the terms of an inquiry into allegations over financial dealings by Iris Robinson later. Mrs Robinson, a borough Alderman, (pictured here with her husband 'former' NI First Minister, Peter) is accused of accepting donations without reporting them to the correct authorities.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
