Menu
03/06/2009
Speaker Defends MLAs' Council Record
Assembly Speaker William Hay (pictured) has defended the poor attendance record of some local councillors who also sit as MLAs.
Mr Hay said it is possible to be an effective councillor without attending all council meetings.
Concerns were raised after Derry City Council revealed a number of its elected representatives - who are also MLAs - failed to attend regular meetings of the local representative body as well as Stormont.
Mr Hay, himself a DUP councillor and Assembly member, was present at just five meetings out of 58.
He claimed politicians who take both seats have a heavy workload.
"I would like to attend more but unfortunately my other work commitments do not allow me to," he said.
"I'm also saying very clearly that I would like to get out of local government sooner rather than later but at this point it isn't possible."
The SDLP councillor and MLA Pat Ramsey attended only nine out of 58 council meetings, while his party colleague Mary Bradley attended 19 out of 72.
DUP MP, Executive Minister, MLA and councillor Gregory Campbell faired best out of all Derry's representatives by managing to sit in on 30 out of 61 council meetings.
(PR/BMcC)
Mr Hay said it is possible to be an effective councillor without attending all council meetings.
Concerns were raised after Derry City Council revealed a number of its elected representatives - who are also MLAs - failed to attend regular meetings of the local representative body as well as Stormont.
Mr Hay, himself a DUP councillor and Assembly member, was present at just five meetings out of 58.
He claimed politicians who take both seats have a heavy workload.
"I would like to attend more but unfortunately my other work commitments do not allow me to," he said.
"I'm also saying very clearly that I would like to get out of local government sooner rather than later but at this point it isn't possible."
The SDLP councillor and MLA Pat Ramsey attended only nine out of 58 council meetings, while his party colleague Mary Bradley attended 19 out of 72.
DUP MP, Executive Minister, MLA and councillor Gregory Campbell faired best out of all Derry's representatives by managing to sit in on 30 out of 61 council meetings.
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 May 2005
DUP and SF repeat Westminster election success
As counting in Northern Ireland’s council elections proceeded today, the DUP has virtually repeated its Westminster performance by strengthening its hand in local government. Ian Paisley’s party increased its number of seats with 182 councillors being elected, up 52 on 2001 election figures with a near 30% share of the vote.
DUP and SF repeat Westminster election success
As counting in Northern Ireland’s council elections proceeded today, the DUP has virtually repeated its Westminster performance by strengthening its hand in local government. Ian Paisley’s party increased its number of seats with 182 councillors being elected, up 52 on 2001 election figures with a near 30% share of the vote.
10 October 2011
Political 'Multiple Jobbing Payments' Face Cuts
Money matters are in focus for politicians today as a bid to force councillors who are also MPs, MLAs or members of the House of Lords to have their allowances cut emerges.
Political 'Multiple Jobbing Payments' Face Cuts
Money matters are in focus for politicians today as a bid to force councillors who are also MPs, MLAs or members of the House of Lords to have their allowances cut emerges.
24 July 2019
NI Council Not Attending Belfast Pride
An Alliance Councillor has expressed his disappointment after a council in Northern Ireland decided against attending this year's Belfast Pride Parade. Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council chose not to send a delegation to Pride Day on Saturday 03 August, with opposing councillors citing the £500 cost of participation as their reason.
NI Council Not Attending Belfast Pride
An Alliance Councillor has expressed his disappointment after a council in Northern Ireland decided against attending this year's Belfast Pride Parade. Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council chose not to send a delegation to Pride Day on Saturday 03 August, with opposing councillors citing the £500 cost of participation as their reason.
25 November 2016
First Minister And Deputy First Minister Attending British-Irish Council
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister are in Wales to attend a meeting of the British-Irish Council, which is meeting for the third time this year to discuss the implications of Brexit.
First Minister And Deputy First Minister Attending British-Irish Council
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister are in Wales to attend a meeting of the British-Irish Council, which is meeting for the third time this year to discuss the implications of Brexit.
23 May 2014
Counting Begins Of NI Election Votes
Counting of the votes cast in Northern Ireland's European and local elections is underway. Thousands of people went to the polls on Thursday to elect 462 Councillors in the 11 district councils. 905 candidates are competing for 462 seats. Ten candidates are in the running for Northern Ireland's three seats in the European parliament.
Counting Begins Of NI Election Votes
Counting of the votes cast in Northern Ireland's European and local elections is underway. Thousands of people went to the polls on Thursday to elect 462 Councillors in the 11 district councils. 905 candidates are competing for 462 seats. Ten candidates are in the running for Northern Ireland's three seats in the European parliament.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
