Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV deputy leader Councillor Ron McDowell:
“The decision taken by the PSNI to not move in against the South Belfast bonfire is both welcome and unsurprising.
“Focus however must not be placed on the police at this time but rather blame must be parked where it belongs at the door of incompetent governance in Belfast City Council.
“When the SP&R committee decided on Wednesday to formally ask the PSNI to interject against the bonfire the decision was not made in conjunction with advice from the PSNI, the fire service, NIE or any other statutory body but rather the vote came down on Orange and Green opinions around Unionist traditions.
“In the middle of all of this we had some very suspicious calls from the Belfast City Council Chief Executive John Walsh who to aid the removal of the bonfire suspended the community safeguarding call-in process.
“All in all this entire process has been a shambles from the start and whilst the decision from by the PSNI is the correct one I cannot help but think that if proper engagement from the council and replaced the partizan approach then we need not have walked this path.
“I commend the bonfire builders for taking initiative — reducing the size of the fire unilaterally was both responsible and effective. That action embodies their victory.
“Finally, I thank Jamie Bryson for having the courage to initiate the judicial review. His legal challenge helped prompt the scrutiny needed, and we now have the right resolution.”