Statement by TUV North Belfast candidate Ron McDowell:
“Having complained about the failure of Belfast City Council to take part in the U.K. wide plan to illuminate civic buildings to mark the centenary of Northern Ireland it was only right that this morning I acknowledged the efforts of those who had, it appeared, ensured that the building was lit up tonight instead.
“However, it is now reported that Sinn Fein have “called in” the decision and the council is consequently saying that the plan to illuminate the building with not proceed.
“If this proves to be accurate it will cement the feeling of disconnect between the Unionist people of Belfast and their council. Here we have a body which year after year bends over backwards to facilitate the West Belfast Festival and pumps tens of thousands in rate payers money into countless other events and programmes designed to promote Nationalist culture yet they cannot tolerate acknowledging the existence of Northern Ireland.
“This is but a foretaste of how my community would be treated in Republicanism’s mythical all-Ireland.
“Where’s the equality?
“Where’s the respect?
“Where’s the parity of esteem?
“Belfast City Council is increasingly offering people an insight into how Sinn Fein see the future. From attempting to impose unworkable regulations on loyalist bonfires to blocking the use of lights to recognise the existence of the state they jointly govern Republicans have shown that the platitudes they so easily trot out are only ever intended to apply to one community.
“There’s no point talking about creating shared space when there are some you don’t deem worthy of any space”.