Alliance candidates will help increase the transparency of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council by seeking the live broadcasting of all full Council meetings, along with audio recordings of all other meetings made available online.
Coleraine candidate Yvonne Boyle said at a time of low public faith in politics, openness in political life had never been more important.
“After numerous scandals across political life in Northern Ireland, as well as the ongoing political impasse at the Assembly and Brexit gridlock in Westminster, many people are rightly switched off from politics. The only way to deal with that is to meet the public desire for openness in politics, which has never been higher.
“Ratepayers deserve to know where and how their money is being spent, who is deciding that and who is influencing things. Alliance’s record of transparency in local government is strong. Alliance has consistently fought for increased openness, which we will do in the new Council term if elected as Councillors.
“We want to see all Council meeting audio recordings made available online, including working groups. In addition, full Council meetings should be broadcast live online, so anyone who is unable to attend can still see how their Councillors are representing them.
“In addition, expense claim forms, declaration of interest forms and attendance statistics from all Councillors should be regularly published. Only by demonstrating an active commitment to transparency can parties start to rebuild public trust and confidence in politics. Alliance is up for the challenge, I hope others follow us.”
