Councillor Trevor Wilson, Ulster Unionist Group Leader on Mid Ulster Council, has condemned tonight`s council decision to introduce a bonfire licensing scheme.

Councillor Wilson said:

“Tonight`s vote is another example of what Unionists can expect if Sinn Fein get a majority in a Council or any other elected assembly. All talk of consensus politics is thrown out the window and they ride roughshod over the views of Unionists. They won`t listen to or even attempt to take on board the views of Unionists who will see this as another attack on their culture. Sinn Fein and the SDLP are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. 

“They haven`t given any consideration to Council staff who will have to implement their diktat or considered the impact on community relations because of the way they have gone about this. Do they expect the Council staff or police to implement this policy?

“The Ulster Unionist Party proposed continued engagement with local communities, working with community representatives to address any issues that arise around bonfires. We don’t want to see tyres or any other noxious substances burnt on bonfires which threaten the health and safety of life and property. We should be taking action against the businesses who supply them. We believe this is best done by working with the local communities to address these issues and not by Sinn Fein dictating the terms. 

“Make no mistake about it, if we go down the line of bonfires being licensed by Sinn Fein/SDLP it won`t solve the issues which we all want to address. It`s just an excuse for Sinn Fein/SDLP to demonstrate who`s boss in Mid Ulster.  It is also ludicrous to proceed with this proposal when the Commission on Flags Identity Culture and Tradition (FICT), which was established by an agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP, is yet to report.”