Alliance Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown has criticised the DUP and Sinn Féin for allocating public money to a group with alleged paramilitary links.
The South Belfast Councillor said that not only did the two parties again manage to put their differences aside when it comes to carving up public money, but that they actively blocked any attempts at public scrutiny by removing the call in procedure – an initiative designed to hold local government decision to account.
“This decision has the potential to have a negative impact on Belfast, once again calling into question the relationships between certain parties and paramilitaries. Either way the DUP and Sinn Féin have proven yet again they are content to finance a divide society,” he said.
“What makes this situation even worse, is that the DUP and Sinn Féin clearly recognise their actions are wrong, taking steps to block others holding them to account.
“While stalemate continues at Stormont, the DUP and Sinn Féin as always can be relied on to put these differences aside when it comes to allocation public money within Belfast City Hall – a position they are so determined to protect that they have now removed the call in procedure, stopping other Councillors questioning their motives.
“But just like it didn’t stop us shining a light when they came together to carve up £4 million in public money last year, Alliance will continue to demand openness and transparency for everyone in Belfast.”