Sinn Fein representative accuses council of '˜funding inequality'

Cllr Logue’s party recently failed in an attempt to overturn a decision taken by elected representatives not to award funding for events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising.

“Sinn Féin challenged the decision by Antrim and Newtownabbey Council not to fund groups commemorating the Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme on an equal basis. I am disappointed that our bid to review this decision has now been rejected,” Cllr Logue said.

“My party’s view of a council’s call-in mechanism is that it was created in legislation to ensure that minority groupings within a council area are not ‘adversely disadvantaged‘ by decisions taken. Sinn Féin will continue to challenge inequalities in funding for nationalist ratepayers in the council area despite this setback. It is important all people living within the council area are treated on an equal basis.”

After taking legal advice on the matter, council officers ruled that Sinn Fein’s call-ins did not have merit and the decision taken by members on funding for the events should stand.