Council refuses to support veterans’ request for backing

Council refuses to support veterans’ request for backing

10 April 2013

DOWN Council has refused to support a fundraising event in aid of war veterans in Northern Ireland.

The request from the AA Veterans Support organisation based in Belfast was refused at Monday night’s meeting of the local authority after it was confirmed that supporting the event would contravene council policy in relation to supporting outside bodies.

Down Council had been asked to purchase tickets priced £50 each or take a table for 10 people at a cost of £500 for the fundraising dinner next month at the La Mon Hotel and Country Club.

The veterans group was launched by Ranger Andy Allen who lost both legs and was blinded while on duty with the army in Afghanistan five years ago.

DUP Councillor Garth Craig described the event as a “worthy cause” and proposed the council purchase three tickets for the forthcoming dinner.

Party colleague Billy Walker said the local authority should be supporting the event and claimed the funding request did meet council policy as the Veterans Support organisation would benefit people living locally, with Ulster Unionist Councillor Walter Lyons also backing calls to support the fundraising event.

Sinn Fein councillor Éamonn Mac Con Midhe said the funding request did not meet council policy, suggesting the request was “divisive” and that if granted could open the floodgates to requests from many other organisations.

He said Republicans have never tabled such a request for financial support, while party colleague Willie Clarke said there are many groups looking after people who have suffered as a result of conflict.

Councillor Eamonn O’Neill (SDLP) said everyone would want the victims of all conflicts treated fairly. He said a victim is a victim but doubted if the request from the AA Veterans Support Group met Down Council policy on supporting outside bodies.

“If we go against that policy there could be repercussions for this council. At the very least, there could be a lot more requests for help,” he added.

Council chairman Mickey Coogan, who wasn’t at Monday night’s meeting due to illness, has authority to make a donation to the event under his chairman’s allowance, but was unavailable for comment on the issue.