McCarthy blasts the Ards unionists who still refuse to share power

4.05.16pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 7th Jun 2007

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy

Strangford Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy has slammed the unionists on Ards Borough Council who refuse to share power, stating that many would only do so if they are forced to by legislation. His comments come following his attempt to become Deputy Mayor of Ards Borough Council at their AGM today. Cllr McCarthy's has bid for the post on a number of occasions throughout his 22 years on Ards Council, but each time, the vast majority of unionist politicians have decided to carve-up power between themselves.

The Ards Councillor said: "I am extremely disappointed that most unionists still refuse to share-power at Ards Council.

"Why do they persist in clinging on to the last vestiges of tribalism. Their actions belong in the past, and local people are sick of their outdated approach.

"I have gone for the post of Deputy Mayor on a number of occasions throughout my 22 years on Ards Council. Each time, the vast majority of unionist politicians decide to disgracefully carve-up power between themselves.

"On this occasion, only one unionist gave me support, an ex-DUP Councillor, Terry Williams, whom I would like to thank for seconding my bid to gain the post.

"After all that has happened at Stormont, with the deal between the DUP and Sinn Fein, you would expect the unionists who are still uncooperative to play fair at council level.

"Regrettably, it appears that many still do not wish to share power or have a fair system at local level. Many are good at saying they want inclusivity when they are forced to do so through legislation, but when they have a choice, they just don't want to know about it. Unless they are forced to accept power-sharing, many seem to be incapable of doing so.

"Their behaviour makes it inevitable that a forced system of sharing will be put in place by government to tackle this problem."

ENDS