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03/12/2003
Loudmouth Tory councillor expelled
The Conservative Party has expelled Neville Saunders, the disgraced former leader of Peterborough City Council, after he refused to withdraw derogatory comments made earlier this year about the people of Northern Ireland.
Senior Tory party officials completed an internal investigation into the remarks made by 73-year-old Mr Sanders who was suspended following an interview in which he commented on the death of an RIR soldier Paul Cochrane, who had committed suicide at a Co Armagh army barracks in 2001.
The row erupted following an interview given to the Belfast Telegraph as a follow up to a scrawled note sent by Mr Sanders in reply to Carrickfergus Borough Council who had written to councils throughout the UK to seek support for an investigation into the suicide. Mr Sanders wrote that "soldiers die… that is what they get paid for."
When contacted about the note, Mr Sanders in an foul-mouthed outburst responded that he was fed up paying taxes to cover for the "lazy" Irish, and that "Northern Ireland could f**k off and run its own affairs".
Although asked to withdraw the controversial remarks, Mr Sanders declined to do so and was suspended pending an inquiry by Conservative central office. He claimed that the media had provoked him into making the comments.
Now expelled, it is unclear whether Mr Sanders, who due to ill health has not attended recent meetings, will be forced to step down as a councillor. This remains in the hands of the local Conservative Association in Peterborough.
The bereaved Cochrane family had called for nothing less that the expulsion of the councillor following the revelation of the remarks about their son's death.
(SP)
Senior Tory party officials completed an internal investigation into the remarks made by 73-year-old Mr Sanders who was suspended following an interview in which he commented on the death of an RIR soldier Paul Cochrane, who had committed suicide at a Co Armagh army barracks in 2001.
The row erupted following an interview given to the Belfast Telegraph as a follow up to a scrawled note sent by Mr Sanders in reply to Carrickfergus Borough Council who had written to councils throughout the UK to seek support for an investigation into the suicide. Mr Sanders wrote that "soldiers die… that is what they get paid for."
When contacted about the note, Mr Sanders in an foul-mouthed outburst responded that he was fed up paying taxes to cover for the "lazy" Irish, and that "Northern Ireland could f**k off and run its own affairs".
Although asked to withdraw the controversial remarks, Mr Sanders declined to do so and was suspended pending an inquiry by Conservative central office. He claimed that the media had provoked him into making the comments.
Now expelled, it is unclear whether Mr Sanders, who due to ill health has not attended recent meetings, will be forced to step down as a councillor. This remains in the hands of the local Conservative Association in Peterborough.
The bereaved Cochrane family had called for nothing less that the expulsion of the councillor following the revelation of the remarks about their son's death.
(SP)
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13 June 2003
Pressure mounts on Sanders following suicide remarks
Pressure was mounting on the Conservative Party today to dismiss a Peterborough councillor over remarks made about the suicide of a soldier from Northern Ireland.
Pressure mounts on Sanders following suicide remarks
Pressure was mounting on the Conservative Party today to dismiss a Peterborough councillor over remarks made about the suicide of a soldier from Northern Ireland.
17 June 2003
Tory councillor's suspension branded inadequate
The family of RIR suicide victim Paul Cochrane has hit out at the suspension of a Conservative Party councillor over remarks he made about their son. The soldier's father, William Cochrane claimed the move by the Conservative Party to suspend Neville Sanders did not go far enough and that he should have been expelled from the party outright.
Tory councillor's suspension branded inadequate
The family of RIR suicide victim Paul Cochrane has hit out at the suspension of a Conservative Party councillor over remarks he made about their son. The soldier's father, William Cochrane claimed the move by the Conservative Party to suspend Neville Sanders did not go far enough and that he should have been expelled from the party outright.
26 June 2003
Disgraced Tory ousted from council post
Disgraced Conservative Party councillor, Neville Sanders has been ousted from his post as Peterborough City Council leader over comments he made about the suicide of a Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) soldier.
Disgraced Tory ousted from council post
Disgraced Conservative Party councillor, Neville Sanders has been ousted from his post as Peterborough City Council leader over comments he made about the suicide of a Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) soldier.
25 June 2003
Sanders faces crunch council vote
The political future of disgraced Conservative Party councillor, Neville Sanders was in the balance today on the eve of a crunch meeting of Peterborough council on Wednesday evening. Mr Sanders, 72, was suspended from the party last week following remarks he made about the suicide of a Royal Irish Regiment soldier in Co Armagh in 2001.
Sanders faces crunch council vote
The political future of disgraced Conservative Party councillor, Neville Sanders was in the balance today on the eve of a crunch meeting of Peterborough council on Wednesday evening. Mr Sanders, 72, was suspended from the party last week following remarks he made about the suicide of a Royal Irish Regiment soldier in Co Armagh in 2001.
14 July 2023
Co Down Road Reopens Following Fire
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Co Down Road Reopens Following Fire
A County Down road has reopened following a fire on Friday, 14 July. The Church Street area in Downpatrick was closed and diversions were put in place. The fire was discovered by officers on mobile patrol who were in attendance at a flat and they raised the alarm and residents were able to exit their properties.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
