Sinn Féin 'flag up' inequality at Ballymena Council
Ballymena Sinn Féin Councillor, Monica Digney, has said that she is determined
to bring the Equality Agenda into play at Ballymena Council. Her comments
come as the Council prepares to complete an EQIA (Equality Impact Assessment)
into the display of 2 flags and a portrait of the British Monarch in the
Council Chambers.
Cllr Digney said:
"After my
appointment to Council last year I immediately raised with the Council the
issue of inequality within the Council Chamber. The display of a portrait of
the British Queen alongside both the Union Jack and the Unionist state flag
reflects the identity of the Unionist community but there is nothing in the
Chamber to reflect ratepayers of a nationalist/republican persuasion.
"This
Council is run using the money of ratepayers from across the entire community,
not just one particular political or religious persuasion, and Council must
take steps to address this. The Council must subscribe to either Equality or
Neutrality when it comes to issues like this and I would expect the
Council's EQIA to reflect that.
"The Council must take steps to
improve its image in terms of equality and tackling the issues of flags and
symbols would be an all-important first step. I was elected on the
commitment that I would combat inequality whenever or wherever I come across
it and I have already opened a case with the Equality Commission regarding
this. If Unionist Councillors are in any way found wanting in terms of
resolving this issue that Sinn Féin will not hesitate in taking this
case all the way." ENDS
Note to Editors
The
Equality Impact Assessment on Flags and Emblems is due to be completed
by
the end of March. The consultation documentation was issued by Ballymena
Borough
Council on 6th February and the closing date for responses is 24th
February.