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31/05/2002
SDLP support Sinn Féin’s bid for Belfast mayorship
The SDLP has welcomed the Alliance move today to back Sinn Féin’s bid for the mayorship of Belfast.
Speaking after the Alliance announcement at the Europa today Margaret Walshe of the SDLP said the party had always supported the principle of inclusion at all government levels.
“The SDLP has supported the principle of inclusion of both political traditions in all council posts from committee places to the position of Lord Mayor,” she said. “The SDLP has in the past and will this year support Sinn Féin for Mayor. In the coming years the parties of the council must establish council pacts so tat election to Mayor and other positions is not a barter but is agreed by all parties.”
The Alliance Party has only three councillors in Belfast, but they hold the balance of power between nationalists and unionists at City Hall.
In a news conference on Friday, the party said it believed it was the right decision to make.
The leader of the Alliance grouping on the council, David Alderdice, said they had agreed to come out in favour of Mr Maskey after a lot of “soul-searching”.
Belfast City Council will meet to vote on the lord mayorship next week.
Unionist parties account for 25 of the 51 councillors, while the nationalist SDLP and Sinn Féin have a combined total of 23.
In the face of unionist opposition, the party’s three votes will be crucial in determining if Mr Maskey succeeds at Wednesday’s council meeting.
(AMcE)
Speaking after the Alliance announcement at the Europa today Margaret Walshe of the SDLP said the party had always supported the principle of inclusion at all government levels.
“The SDLP has supported the principle of inclusion of both political traditions in all council posts from committee places to the position of Lord Mayor,” she said. “The SDLP has in the past and will this year support Sinn Féin for Mayor. In the coming years the parties of the council must establish council pacts so tat election to Mayor and other positions is not a barter but is agreed by all parties.”
The Alliance Party has only three councillors in Belfast, but they hold the balance of power between nationalists and unionists at City Hall.
In a news conference on Friday, the party said it believed it was the right decision to make.
The leader of the Alliance grouping on the council, David Alderdice, said they had agreed to come out in favour of Mr Maskey after a lot of “soul-searching”.
Belfast City Council will meet to vote on the lord mayorship next week.
Unionist parties account for 25 of the 51 councillors, while the nationalist SDLP and Sinn Féin have a combined total of 23.
In the face of unionist opposition, the party’s three votes will be crucial in determining if Mr Maskey succeeds at Wednesday’s council meeting.
(AMcE)
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