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You know you're very much still in a divided society when even a note of sympathy is debated to death in the Council Chamber.
And so it was at Monday nights, 6 October, monthly meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in Downpatrick when Slieve Croob Councillor Alan Lewis put forward a motion on the 'Murder of Charlie Kirk' the American political commentator who was shot dead at a public rally in September in Utah.
What followed was a 30 minute discussion with standing order procedures dissected forensically. Ultimately though, the motion was withdrawn at the end of it all, though it took consensus, not division to make this happen.
The Motion
That this Council notes with deep concern the murder of Charlie Kirk, a prominent American political commentator, who was shot and killed while exercising his right to speak at a public event; believes that freedom of speech and expression are hard-won cornerstones of democracy; remembers those who have been targeted by terrorists in Northern Ireland due to their political and religious beliefs; resolves to condemn the murder of Charlie Kirk and reaffirm our commitment to the principle of free speech; and further, that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council sends our condolences to his wife Erika and their two young children.
Following the putting forward of the motion Cllr Lewis said "What happened is an attack, not only on one man, but on the principle that is a fundamental freedom to every society, the right to speak and to question, and to disagree peacefully, without fear or intimidation. Freedom of speech is a hard won part of democracy, it's the foundation on which every other freedom that we enjoy rests. Once we begin to accept that that intimidation and violence is an answer to speech, or that some people's voices can't be heard or should be silenced through intimidation, we open the door to that type of threat. We, here in Northern Ireland, know only too well the terrible cost when political or religious differences become an excuse to take someone's life. We all remember when politicians, some Members of Parliament, members of the Assembly, and indeed some Councillors were targeted specifically because of their elected role. This council therefore, has a duty not just to express sympathy, but to take a clear moral stand to say that we utterly condemn the murder of Charlie Kirk, to say that no say that no person should fear for their life because they express opinion."
Rowallane Councillor Callum Bowsie spoke of Charlie Kirk as a man of faith "I'd like to thank Councillor Lewis for bringing this motion tonight, reaffirm our belief in free speech and non violence, to recognise one of the finest young voices of conservative Christian values. Charlie Kirk debated his opponents with intelligence and respect, got a generation of young people to think for themselves, once again value the contribution of Judeo Christian ethics to Western civilisation and democracy. Above all, he was a man of faith. He wanted people to know, regardless of their politics, that the greatest truth is Jesus Himself. Charlie was murdered for speaking that truth, just as 1000s of Christians around the world are each year. But as Charlie Kirk said himself, all death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus."
Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers then called for an amendment to the motion which involved the removal of the paragraph "remembers those who have been targeted by terrorists in Northern Ireland due to their political and religious beliefs" and it's replacement with text concerning free speech and diversity. Cllr Mathers said "Sinn Fein would like to propose an amendment to the motion.
So after the word democracy, we would like to amend as follows, 'notes with grave concern recent politically motivated violence and attacks on free speech. Acknowledges that free speech and expression within the law are foundational to any democratic system. Celebrates the diversity of our identities, religious or none, sexual orientation, gender, disability, age or ethnic origin. That Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will send to condolences to his wife and two young children. "
Cllr Lewis didn't accept the amendment saying "I would respectfully decline to accept that as I feel that the motion is relevant, and already makes that point without making amendments to it, but I would thank Councillor Mathers."
Even though the amendment was rejected, Councillors were informed by Council CEO Marie Ward that they were still required to vote on it. Cllr Bowsie looked for a clarification on the newly worded motion. "Can Sinn Fein just clarify they want the sentence 'remembers those who have been targeted by terrorists in Northern Ireland due to their political and religious beliefs', you're seriously wanting that to be removed from the amendment, and you disagree with the sentiments of that sentence. Are we for real in 2025." Cllr Mathers replied in the affirmative.
A vote was then taken with 28 for and 6 against. Cllr Lewis then asked for his motion to be withdrawn but this wasn't straightforward.
"In that respect, I then withdraw this motion. I think that it's very disappointing that all parties in this chamber sought to remove the phrase 'targeted by terrorists', the motion was simple, It was worded in a respectful way, It didn't require people to play politics with it. So on that basis, I'm not willing to partake in this anymore, and would like to withdraw that motion please"
Mrs Ward explained that despite the withdrawal the amendment needed to be debated "as the motion has been amended, it is now an agreed so It is now a substantive motion that is on the floor for debate" "So whilst you can withdraw your original notice of motion, there is actually a proposal agreed substantive notice"
Mournes Councillor Henry Reilly didn't accept the analysis. "I don't accept that. You need to get legal advice on that Madam Chairman."
Slieve Gullion Councillor David Taylor said "I am disappointed that there has been an attempt here to dilute what was presented to us, to try and eradicate what happened here during the troubles. I'm very conscious as a member of the Ulster Unionist Party that we lost numerous members during the troubles, including elected representatives and ordinary party members who were targeted by Republican terrorists purely because of their political desire for Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom"
He added "I was also wanting to condemn the incident where a device was left at the office of Liz Kimmins and Daire Hughes. I think we're all very clear that no elected representatives should face any threat or prospect of violence landing at their door"
Their followed an adjournment for the Chair of Council Councillor Philip Campbell to get advice from Democratic Services.
Following the adjournment Mrs Ward explained "under our standing orders where there has been an amendment and the amendment has been accepted, that is the substantive motion, and the motion that's on the floor for debate. However, I think it would be fair to say that at the agreement of the chamber, the motion could be withdrawn. So I suppose it's to the chair to ask if that is the position."
Chair Cllr Campbell then asked if everyone was in agreement and the motion was withdrawn.
