Sinn Fein has been accused of ‘double standards’ By the Causeway Coast & Glens DUP group after the settings of the annual rate on Thursday evening.
During the meeting, Sinn Fein representatives criticised funding set aside for the air show to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Commenting after the Council agreed a new annual rate of 3.49% on Thursday evening which is the equivalent of a 27p rise each week per £100k of capital value, Group Lead Cllr McAuley said:
‘‘The DUP is committed to providing the highest quality services at the lowest possible rates. Given the cost-of-living crisis hitting family budgets across our Borough, it was crucial that households got the fairest possible deal.
“In setting the new rate, the Council has agreed to make available £2.5m in savings and extra income. The final bill will remain below inflation and is one of the lowest increases of Councils across Northern Ireland.
“Not for the first time, Sinn Fein were more interested in pushing their radical republican agenda than engaging constructively in the rate setting process. They didn’t present a single proposal to benefit local ratepayers. Instead, they were fixated on criticising plans for the air show to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, supported by Ind Cllr Stephanie Quigley and the SDLP.. Once again attacking those of us with a British identity trumps everything else.
“The reality is that the air show will be a boost to local tourism and our economy, particularly as the area prepares to host the Open Championship again in 2025. This will benefit everyone in our community.
“Sinn Fein’s double standards are clear for all to see. On the same day that their president was feigning praise for Her Majesty’s lifetime of service, her local councillors were trashing plans to recognise this achievement. The mask has well and truly slipped.’’
Sinn Fein Councillor Cara McShane took to social media on Thirsday evening, posting: “DUP, UUP, Alliance, PUP and independent Unionist have just pushed through a 3.49% rates increase at tonight’s Causeway Coast & Glens Council meeting.”
Continuing: “And take £500,000 from Council’s RESERVES (rainy day) budget to fund the Portrush Airshow.
“And they wonder why their days of domination and supremacy are numbered.”
