I REFER to your report of this month's Newtownabbey Council AGM (June 11, page 8) at which the DUP and Ulster Unionist (New Force) parties took all the senior positions on offer, including Mayor, Deputy Mayor and the chairmanships and Vice Chairs of all the council's standing committees.
As I indicated in the debate, the DUP was particularly insistent that no discussions took place at all with the Alliance group, although such discussions are commonplace and assist in the fair allocation of council positions. However, in this instanc
e there was to be no attempt at fairness or proportionality because of the whim of one party (DUP) supported by another (UUP New Force). It was therefore significant that, leaving aside the intended discourtesy, no discussion took place because there was nothing on offer. Ironically when working earlier in the council with the DUP, it was the Ulster Unionists who complained bitterly about not getting their fair share (despite the positions given to them). However, last week they had no compunction in lining up to deny others senior council positions, as long as they were offered the scraps others were being denied.
One of the reasons, of course, why local government was given restricted powers for so long was because of the abuse of minority rights by the majority. Given that enhanced powers are to be given to new councils, it is absolutely essential that parties such as these do not have the power again to abuse the rights of minorities (in this case representing over 26% of the electorate at the last council elections). It is offensive to any concept of democracy that any majority should seek for itself 100% of what is on offer.
As to the reasons for this DUP/UUP power grab, these are thin on the ground and were not offered in any meaningful way in the council debate. What I have heard as possible motives (including the election of an Alliance Lord Mayor in Belfast City Council and trenchant criticism of the DUP this time last year by Alliance for the grabbing of power), point to intolerance and control freakery, particularly on the part of the DUP.
I have to say that I find this level of pettiness and vindictiveness most difficult to understand, but it certainly makes the case as to why abusive majorities should never again have the power to abuse the rights of others in our new councils.
Councillors in Newtownabbey certainly appear to take seriously their responsibilities and in terms of the issue of equality there is a Good Relations Policy and a Committee which meets to oversee this policy. That policy states: "Newtownabbey Borough Council aims to foster good relations between all those who live in, work in or visit the borough. The council will continue to develop fair policies and deliver services in an atmosphere of trust and honest communication. The council will work to promote good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion and racial group."
Such sentiments were sadly lacking last week and one is left to wonder what is the point of maintaining such lofty ideals when those in charge do not even attempt to pay lip service to them. The "communication" and "trust" is now non existent and the "good relations" between persons of different political opinion have been badly damaged given the abuse sustained by those who represent those views.
Councillor Tom Campbell,
Alliance Leader, Newtownabbey Borough Council.
