Queen stays!
Thursday, 19 January 2012
'How the Guardian broke the news last week'
Ballymena Borough Council meetings are expected to be held in their new home at the Braid Town Hall within weeks after a new 'flags' policy was overwhelmingly passed at a special meeting last week.
The outcome means the Union Standard, a civic flag and a 'Diamond Jubilee' portrait of the Queen will be displayed in the new chamber while the Ulster banner will be placed at the Mayor's discretion in his parlour.
It marks a slight change from the current situation where all the flags were on show in the chamber at Ardeevin.
At a two hour meeting behind closed doors last week, nationalists argued strongly for a neutral environment, where only the civic crest would be on display, while unionists were adamant the council maintained the Union flag and the Queen's portrait in the new chamber.
As the Guardian revealed last week, councillors were determined to hammer out an agreement before "moving" to their new home.
The debate at last week's private meeting was described by a reliable source as "full, frank, and reasonably courteous."
Natonalists are furious with the outcome and have warned it may well be challenged in the courts.
DUP councillor, Audrey Wales, who had a pre-arranged commitment, was the only absentee from the proceedings.
Her DUP colleague, Paul Frew, proposed the new arrangements, which were seconded by Ulster Unionist James McClean.
Amendments from the SDLP's Declan O'Loan that only the council crest be displayed and from TUV councillor, Roy Gillespie, that the currently arrangements be maintained, were defeated.
On a recorded vote, called for by Sinn Fein councillor, Paul Maguire, 11 DUP, four Ulster Unionists and independent James Henry voted for the policy, five members - two SDLP and two Sinn Fein members plus Alliance's Jayne Dunlop voted against, and the two TUV members abstained.
The decision paves the way for the council to move to its new 'flagship' home which combines the old chamber and the Minor Hall in the Braid.
An equality group, comprising representatives of all parties, had been working on the issue for several months and it is understood the the group was thanked for their input at the meeting.
The Guardian also understands extensive legal advice was independently obtained by a number of the parties and also, separately, by the council.
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