'Outside bodies' influenced local council elections - Digney claims

A BALLYMENA councillor has claimed 'outside bodies' may have influenced last week's election of chairs to council committees.

Sinn Fein's Monica Digney ruffled a few feathers in the council chamber by making the claim following the election of the Mayoral positions and council committee chairpersons.

At last Monday night’s council meeting, after the roles had been elected, Digney made the claim and singled out Councillor Declan O’Loan in the process.

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She said: “I am very disappointed with the meeting tonight. There were members given certain lists of who is given what committee. Outside bodies are dictating terms of these meetings, this is very annoying and I find it quite offensive.

“Shame on councillor O’Loan, Shame on him.”

Councillor Declan O’Loan, who appeared shocked by the accusations, responded: “It is unfortunate and inaccurate why my name was singled out. We do have the right to talk to political parties, she has that right as well but the remarks said were inappropriate.”

DUP Councillor Paul Frew defended the council, he said: “I have great pleasure in paying tribute to this council and how well these councillors members work together.

“It hasn’t always been like that and I can understand why Sinn Fein are annoyed about it.”

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