Unionists fail to stop Sinn Féin council ‘whistleblower’ motion

One DUP councillor opposed the whistleblower motion on the grounds it could ‘bring disharmony’

UNIONISTS on Magherafelt District Council in County Derry have failed to stop a Sinn Féin motion giving protection to ‘whistleblowers’.

The motion was tabled by Sinn Féin Councillor Peter Bateson to bring Magherafelt into line with other local authorities and protect workers from victimisation if they need to speak out on legitimate grievances.

One DUP councillor opposed the motion on the grounds it could “bring disharmony”.

While the SDLP voiced some reservations, they backed the Sinn Féin motion. Unionist councillors voted against even though DUP Health Minister Edwin Poots has told staff he wants openness and accountability and supports ‘whistleblowing’.