24 July 1997 Edition
Sinn Fein breakthrough in Lisburn
By Eoin O Broin
Sinn Fein has this week passed its first motion through the Unionist dominated Lisburn council. Sinn Fein Councillor Michael Ferguson, who proposed the motion, told An Phoblacht that ``this is indeed an historic breakthrough. Not only have we had our first motion passed but the fact that the motion dealt with exclusion and equality of treatment makes it all the more significant''.
The motion, proposed on 22 July at the council's monthly meeting read: ``This motion seeks equality of recognition, equality of representation and an end to exclusion. Opposition to this motion endorses this council's policy of discrimination and sectarianism to the largest growing areas of this borough and we will not tolerate discrimination against our electorate either because of religion or their political preference.''
The motion received the support of Sinn Fein and the SDLP members of the council and while the UUP abstained the DUP opposed the motion.
Speaking after the council meeting, Ferguson said that the continued discrimination policy this council imposed on the nationalist population of this borough is ``criminal, it sustains the corrupt nature of the entire body politic and diminishes everyone. The IRA cessation of 48 hours ago presents us all with yet another opportunity to collectively address the causes that gave rise to this conflict''.
Ferguson proposed his motion after the council refused to contemplate electing Sinn Fein, the second largest party on the council, to the post of deputy mayor. During the AGM, Sinn Fein voted in favour of the Ulster Unionist for mayor as ``a sign of goodwill displaying Sinn Fein's willingness to work with Unionists''. However, the same Unionist Party refused to support Sinn Féin for deputy mayor.
Sinn Fein has this week passed its first motion through the Unionist dominated Lisburn council. Sinn Fein Councillor Michael Ferguson, who proposed the motion, told An Phoblacht that ``this is indeed an historic breakthrough. Not only have we had our first motion passed but the fact that the motion dealt with exclusion and equality of treatment makes it all the more significant''.
The motion, proposed on 22 July at the council's monthly meeting read: ``This motion seeks equality of recognition, equality of representation and an end to exclusion. Opposition to this motion endorses this council's policy of discrimination and sectarianism to the largest growing areas of this borough and we will not tolerate discrimination against our electorate either because of religion or their political preference.''
The motion received the support of Sinn Fein and the SDLP members of the council and while the UUP abstained the DUP opposed the motion.
Speaking after the council meeting, Ferguson said that the continued discrimination policy this council imposed on the nationalist population of this borough is ``criminal, it sustains the corrupt nature of the entire body politic and diminishes everyone. The IRA cessation of 48 hours ago presents us all with yet another opportunity to collectively address the causes that gave rise to this conflict''.
Ferguson proposed his motion after the council refused to contemplate electing Sinn Fein, the second largest party on the council, to the post of deputy mayor. During the AGM, Sinn Fein voted in favour of the Ulster Unionist for mayor as ``a sign of goodwill displaying Sinn Fein's willingness to work with Unionists''. However, the same Unionist Party refused to support Sinn Féin for deputy mayor.