UUP’s objection to awards for Clinton and Mitchell shows negativity and division lie at heart of party

THE Ulster Unionist Party in City Hall has been shown to be fractured, petty and only capable of negativity — even on a day when cross-party support results in a positive outcome for Belfast.

Councillor Chris McGimpsey’s attempts (News, March 28) to address why he and his colleagues saw fit to object to George Mitchell and Bill Clinton being awarded the Freedom of the City only goes to prove this point.

Let’s clear up some of the myths and half-truths peddled in his article.

Firstly, let me be clear: this issue would never have made it to a full council meeting without the support of all parties at an earlier meeting of the strategic, policy and resource committee — a meeting where UUP councillor Davy Browne backed the plan going forward — even confirming he would ensure his group would not vote against. It seems the UUP in City Hall are working from different scripts.

Secondly, at a party group leaders’ meeting and an earlier committee meeting, it was made clear that John Hume would not be able to accept the award due to his ongoing illness. Furthermore, the issue of ill-health had been raised at several meetings where UUP councillors were present.

Thirdly, Councillor McGimpsey seems to suggest the DUP’s decision to back this move is something that should only be criticised.

Rather than welcome the change of heart, the UUP would rather snipe from the sidelines.

Fourthly, the UUP claim to have maintained their position, yet they were actually meant to second the motion — a position that they were quick to let go in favour of playing party politics.

CLLR MICHAEL LONG (ALLIANCE) Belfast City Council