Parties clash over proposal to cut funding for sports clubs with 'named references to terrorism'

By Michael Kenwood – Local Democracy Reporter

The Alliance Party and the TUV have clashed over a proposal to withdraw local authority funding for sports clubs "with political objectives".

At the recent full meeting of Ards and North Down Council, elected representatives heard a motion to withdraw funding to any sporting organisations "with any political objectives or named references to terrorism in their constitution, club names, stadiums or competitions".

The motion, by TUV Councillor Stephen Cooper and Independent Unionist Councillors Tom Smith and Wesley Irvine, also called for a report by council officers outlining the specific relevant council policy.

Alliance attempted to stop the tabling of the motion for a solicitor's opinion, to ascertain whether the proposal was competent and/or legal. This was overruled by the council's Chief Executive Stephen Reid, who said the motion was lawful and in line with council criteria for debate, and could be tabled at a council committee next month.

Alliance Alderman Alan McDowell attempted to obstruct the motion by raising a standing order that proposals should be "clear and meaningful, otherwise (they) should be rejected until such times as (they are) resubmitted in clear language". He also raised another standing order relating to "the wording of a motion being unlawful or irrelevant".

Alderman McDowell said: "If the Chief Executive has not taken legal advice on it then I propose that he does, as I believe it could be unlawful." He added: "The motion is not clear to what it is referring, and it is not clear what action should be taken.

"It requests a report relating to specific relevant council policy - I wasn't aware this council had a policy to discriminate against people with a different political, religious or sporting preference."

He added: "I would like to remind members what happened to Craigavon councillors in the 1980's. In 1986 Craigavon council refused St Peter's GAA club a lease on waste ground for a football pitch. The club took the council to court and won damages and costs.

"The judgement was damning, and stated to not lease the land was 'motivated by sectarianism and bias through the unjustified actions of the majority of the council'. The local government auditor stepped in and surcharged 17 councillors who served on the council between 1977 and 85, and 12 councillors were disqualified from holding office for at least five years.

"I thought we had moved on. Apparently some have not, and are trying to bring this council into disrepute."

Chief Executive Stephen Reid said: "In terms of the clarity of it, I am satisfied the generality of the direction of it is clear enough. It is quite common that notices of motion are presented to committees, and it is at the time of presentation at committee that the clarity and full meaning is heard.

"I don't agree with the Alderman on his point of specific council policy, the motion states specific relevant policy, and that would be clarified at the committee when it's heard. I have not sought legal advice because I don't believe it is unlawful, but if the council voted for that I would be satisfied I could get legal advice before it goes to committee."

The Alliance amendment fell with 24 votes against and 12 for.

Independent Councillor Tom Smith said: "You must remember some months ago when some Orange lodges were denied funding by this council because they were deemed to be political organisations. So I don't think Alliance can kick up about that.

"There is no mention of the GAA anywhere in this proposal. Perhaps Alderman McDowell can tell us why he immediately brings up the GAA on this."

TUV Councillor Stephen Cooper said after the meeting: "I am disgusted at this blatant attempt by the Alliance to try and usurp any attempt at tackling the scourge of sectarianism in our communities, and worse still, sport.

"This is scraping the barrel and a clear attempt at usurping democracy. Sport is unique in that it draws people from all classes, colours and creeds, and has been invaluable in breaking down barriers across Northern Ireland."

He added: "The irony of a party such as Alliance, which claims to be a cross-community party, in opposing this motion which aims to remove all sectarian baggage from the sporting arena, is diabolical but hardly surprising.

"I am pleased this motion will be heard at the committee stage next month, where we will all have an opportunity to address the ongoing problem of political interference in sporting organisations. Those that have been allowed to include not only constitutional aims and objectives in their constitutions, but the actual glorification of terrorists."

Elected representatives will debate the motion at the council's corporate committee on Tuesday September 13.