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Fears of ‘nationalist propaganda’ being published on a council website have been raised over a debate on a New Ireland Working Group.
Newry, Mourne and Down District has agreed this week to increase engagement with cross border parties on the potential for constitutional change for the island of Ireland.
An argument flared in the Downpatrick chamber as unionist members queried intentions of the working group as it held its first meeting this month with all councillors invited.
Mournes councillor, Glyn Hanna clarified after the meeting: “I did not take part in the working group as I see no point in it. I have a question for the chief executive (Marie Ward).
“Will the website show what the group comes up with, the good, the bad and the ugly or will it just be publishing nationalist/republican propaganda? There is no unionist at this working group and I would fear that it is very one sided.”
The chamber heard that the working group debates would discuss all matters of concern including health and financial issues being absorbed from a UK structure into united Ireland government bodies.
Slieve Gullion councillor, Pete Byrne has responded: “There will be no propaganda. This working group is open to all councillors. The facts are coming from academic reports from experts.
“In 2016 there was similar cross border consultation on Brexit with no political twist. The working group will not have any political agenda at play.”
The motion to increase engagement was passed with a majority vote.
