I EXPRESS DISAPPOINTMENT THAT ALL POLITICAL PARTIES VOTED AGAINST MY MOTION CALLING ON THE COUNCIL TO OPPOSE ANY PROPOSAL BY THE HEALTH MINISTER TO REINTRODUCE PRESCRIPTION CHARGES.

Do all parties now support the reintroduction of prescription charges? Is this now official policy?

In 2010 all political parties welcomed the abolition of prescription charges by Ulster unionist Health Minister Michael McGimpsey. Now the new DUP health minister Edwin Poots has suggested that they may be reintroduced.  Continue reading “DUP UU Alliance & Greens Support Reintroduction of Prescription Charges?” »

BRIAN CONDEMNS THE DECISION BY NORTH DOWN COUNCIL TO PRESS FOR MEETING WITH CHIEF CONSTABLE TO OPPOSE THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF HOLYWOOD POLICE STATION

I believe that the campaign to retain Holywood police station is an irrational and ill-informed attempt to create public fears where none exist. North Down council should play no part in it.

I must disagree with Ald Dunne’s assertion that the closure of Holywood police station would have a devastating impact on the town and that the residents were alarmed that this would lead to a crime wave in the borough. Continue reading “No to Holywood Police Station Campaign” »

I CONDEMN  TONIGHT’S  DECISION BY THE COUNCIL TO SELL BANGOR LEISURE CENTRE SITE TO A PRIVATE DEVELOPER  AND TO IGNORE THE PROPOSALS FROM THE SEELB TO DEVELOP THE SITE FOR A NEW BANGOR CENTRAL INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL

The 300 parents teachers and children who lobbied North Down council this evening received a kick in the teeth when the DUP controlled council (including 3 DUP MLAs) rejected a proposal to continue negotiations with the SEELB on the provision of a new primary school and agreed to sell the site to a private developer. Bangor Central Integrated is a wonderful school and is always oversubscribed but requires new buildings. In their Assembly manifesto just months ago the DUP promised their support for a new school.

Continue reading “DUP Snub Bangor Central School” »

AT the AGM the main parties have agreed to exclude me from the councils important finance and policy committees. Last term they argued that as I was a member of the Green party I was not entitled to a place, this excuse is no longer valid.

As a councillor with 30 years experience and degrees in government and economics I feel I could make a major contribution to the good governance of the council. Instead they have filled the committees with party hacks with no experience (newly elected) and others with no interest or knowledge of finance.

Is it any wonder the council has been criticised for its economic competence.

For returning me at the top of the poll for the sixth successive election. I hope I can justify the confidence you have shown me.

Having given up my other posts I intend to focus full time on Council issues and to serving the residents of Bangor West. I was therefore disappointed that despite my experience and qualifications as an economist the main parties again voted to exclude me from the important Policy and Economic Committees.