Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“For every 14 Protestants who applied one was appointed (approximately) but for every 5 Roman Catholics who applied one was appointed. Why is it almost three times more difficult for a Protestant to be appointed? This is a truly alarming discrepancy which I’d like explained.
“When appointments are solely on merit then, surely, there should be no significant variation in success rates as between the two communities? The council’s own Community Background report says that the Council is 67% Protestant and 24% Roman Catholic while the remaining 9% is none or other. How then are over 57% of those appointed to senior posts from a Roman Catholic background?
“I have written to the Council’s Chief Executive requesting an explanation and informed the Equality Commission of the information I have uncovered.”