SF “overlooked” for top roles on Council committees - Maguire

BALLYMENA Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Maguire says his party was once again “overlooked” for Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs, for the eighth consecutive year, with the DUP and UUP taking all 12 positions between them.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jun 2012, 17:05 BST

Speaking following the committee elections at last Thursday night’s annual general meeting of Council, Mr Maguire also complained about the recent decision by members to increase Special Responsibility Allowances at a Special Meeting of Council.

He said councillors had voted an increase “to £200 and £150 per month respectively, despite such increases exceeding Department of Environment guidance and direction and council’s own upper limit”.

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Mr Maguire added: “Council’s annual bill for SPAs now totals £25,200 resulting in an overspend of £2850 a year. This is in addition to the Mayor’s and Deputy Mayor’s allowances.

“Personally I couldn’t support any added expense on the ratepayer in such times of austerity and abstained from the vote. I cannot understand the need for additional remuneration, especially for committee vice chairs who may never be called upon to chair a meeting.

“All members receive a basic allowance plus out of pocket expenses and that should be quite sufficient,” said Mr Maguire.

Related topics:DUPSinn FeinUUPCouncil