BY MARK MCKELVEY
Despite obvious objections to the reasons behind a DUP led motion calling for full support of the PSNI, it was passed by six votes to nil in Strabane District Council as there with eight abstentions.
The debate occurred in the Council chamber on Tuesday night, following a proposed motion by Glenelly DUP Cllr John Donnell stating, "In view of the fact that all parties of SDC have agreed to nominate to the DPP, this Council now resolves to: - (a) pass a vote of confidence in the PSNI for the efforts to make the SDC area a better place to live; (b) Fully support the PSNI in their efforts against terrorism and all anti social behaviour; (c) Call on the people of the district to fully co-operate with the PSNI in all their investigations."
In proposing this motion he declared that he couldn't see why anyone would have a problem agreeing with it, however it was treated with consternation by the Sinn Féin members present.
Cllr Ivan Barr felt it was an attempt to humiliate some members.
He said, "I would challenge the relevance and validity as regards how the council is involved as a corporate body. This implies that the council has never had an official position but the Council has always had a statutory obligation in support of the PSNI and there are many examples of this.
"To qualify as a council candidate in elections, you have to sign an anti-violence declaration, elected members have been tested enough and I think it would be wrong to make a decision on this tonight.
"I I think this is an attempt to humiliate and embarrass certain members in this chamber and I am not going to let myself be drawn into it. We should use our time devoted to discussing social and economic issues which will be of more benefit to the public that this points winning exercise."
These sentiments were supported by fellow Sinn Féin member, Brian McMahon who described the motion as a "stunt" and clearly that his party are actively encouraging people to provide assistance to the police so they can go about their "fair and impartial duties".
SDLP Cllr, Eugene McMenamin who voted in favour of the motion said he had sympathy with Cllr Barr's stance, but said it is time to move forward and for Strabane District Councillors stand up and be counted.
"When are the people of this area going to see a united front," he said. "There are dissidents in society that will never conform to peace. The people of this small island have suffered enough at the hands of mindless thugs."
Council Vice- Chair, Cllr Derek Hussey called for local members to follow the words of their leaders.
"Police work in the community for the community with assistance from the community. We have seen the events of the last few day's (PSNI officers shot) and calls from Gerry Adams to support the police in their enquiries.
"The people of this district need assurances that local representatives back up their national leaders and hear the words at local level as well which would help rid what is a cancer of our society — the dissident activity that we all know is out there."
Cllr Donnell concluded by saying the sentiments of his motion are part and parcel of what the DPP stands for and cannot see a problem with it.
The motion then went to vote with the five unionist members present and SDLP member Eugene McMenamin voting in favour with no votes against. The seven Sinn Féin members and Independent Cllr James O'Kane decided to abstain from voting, resulting in the motion passing through council.
