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.
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