Press Releases
| UUCA MEETING IN COOKSTOWN |
| • 16th Jun 2009 |
| • Ulster Unionist Councillors Association AGM |
Ulster Unionist Councillors’ Association AGM
15/06/2009
Pictured at the Ulster Unionist Councillors’ Association annual meeting are, from left, secretary, Cllr Stephen Nicholl (Antrim), Ulster Unionist Party leader, Sir Reg Empey MLA, vice-chair, Cllr Vera McWilliam (Newtownabbey), chairman, Cllr Trevor Wilson (Cookstown), treasurer, Cllr Ross Hussey (Omagh), assistant treasurer, Cllr Alex Baird (Fermanagh)
Ulster Unionist councillors from across the province gathered in Cookstown, Co Tyrone, on Saturday for the Ulster Unionist Councillors’ Association (UUCA) annual meeting.
Joined by party leader, Sir Reg Empey, local representatives took the opportunity to express their congratulations on the re-election of Jim Nicholson to the European Parliament.
Councillor Hussey commented "It is testament to the leadership of Sir Reg, and the efforts of elected representatives, party workers - and the support of the electorate - that Jim Nicholson achieved such success in the European election. It is time to build on the forward-thinking and cohesive atmosphere clearly evident within a rejuvenated Ulster Unionist Party and set our sights on the forthcoming Westminster election."
Issues raised at the meeting included RPA and the impact on the community and staff of the amalgamation of councils and re-drawing of boundaries.
"The Ulster Unionist Party has placed on record its opposition to the DUP’s gerrymandering stitch-up on RPA, which has resulted in an 11 council model which does not reflect community identity.
"We have grave concerns over the ’transition’ model which gives committees from existing councils the power to make important decisions on the future post-2011, rather than giving it to the new councils themselves.
"As a party we are committed to supporting staff who will be affected by the changes. Members have pledged to ensure that the lines of communication remain open, and to support staff in increasing their skills and competencies as they face an uncertain future. The prospect of councils with low rates inheriting the debts of neighbouring councils under the Review of Public Administration has also been noted and is an issue that must be addressed."
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