Councillors divided over armed forces attending Derry jobs fair

A row has erupted in Derry and Strabane council over whether the armed forces should attend a jobs fair in Londonderry.

The Minister of Defence (MoD) had registered as an employer for the event in the council-owned Foyle Arena leisure centre next Tuesday and DFC had asked the council for its views.

Sinn Féin’s Christopher Jackson said his party “fully opposed” the military’s attendance and they would “not be welcome” at the event, run by the Department for Communities (DFC).

Ulster Unionist Derek Hussey accused nationalist parties of “sheer hatred”.

The council’s director of business and culture, Stephen Gillespie, said he would relay the councillors’ opposing views to the department.

He also said a paper would be brought to the committee in the coming weeks so members could vote on a policy for future jobs fairs.

The heated exchange took place during the council’s governance and strategic planning committee.

SDLP councillor Brian Tierney also argued against it, saying there were “ample opportunities” elsewhere for anyone wishing to join the armed forces.

He also raised concerns about “potential security risks” at the event, if the military were invited.

Independent councillor Gary Donnelly said the presence of British military personnel at a recruitment fair in Derry would be “morally wrong” and warned it would provoke “anger and fury” among his constituents.

But unionist councillors defended the armed forces attending the event.

Hussey said the opposition from the nationalist benches was “disgraceful” and “tears the heart out of me”.

Citing his own family’s military background, Hussey said he was “proud” of the contribution of the many local people who don the uniform to serve their country.

DUP councillor Chelsea Cooke said many local young people would welcome the prospect of joining the British Army.

“I know many young people who are proud of joining the British Army and various young people who need jobs, and this is one route,” she said.

“We need to be respectful of them, and I welcome them to these opportunities.”

BBC News NI has approached the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Derry City and Strabane District Council and the DfC for comment.