Sinn Féin councillor Sean McGlinchey has expressed his disgust at the actions of unionists at Causeway Coast and Glens Council.
Mr McGlinchey said “This emergency meeting of the council was called to discuss ways in which this council could help with the current refugee crisis in Europe. However Unionist politicians used this to play party politics and attack myself and my party.”
“Our motion was voted down by the Unionist bloc, this motion was about providing practical help for a humanitarian crisis but instead the unionists decided to leave this to local groups which essentially means the council will do nothing.”
“The community have been showing the lead with enormous generosity, collecting clothes, toiletries and money to assist the crisis. I also know that they want politicians to find further practical ways of helping to end the suffering of families trekking across Europe.”
He added “This is unacceptable but myself and my party colleagues will pursue any avenues we can to play our part in helping anyone we can who is caught up in this crisis.”