DUP successfully argues its case for increased representation on the NMD Good Relations Group
In a group statement by the DUP on Newry Mourne and Down District Council (Cllrs Callum Bowsie, Glyn Hanna, Jonathan Jackson, Alan Lewis, and Henry Reilly), the councillors welcomed increased unionist representation on NMD Council’s Good Relations group.
The statement said: “In June 2025, our five DUP councillors left the council’s Equality & Good Relations Reference Group after a persistent lack of respect towards unionists within Newry Mourne & Down District Council.
“This related namely to the imposition of Irish signage in largely PUL communities, the free rein of republican motions heard in the council chamber, and the procedures for community consultation on issues affecting unionists not being followed.
“We made it clear that we would not be returning to this Equality group until unionists were treated fairly.
“Within five months we secured the creation of an Ulster-Scots & Ulster British Working Group – 10 years after an Irish equivalent was formed in the council.
“The British element of this new group makes it the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
“We also recently received a joint letter from all the other parties appealing for us to return to the EGRRG to enable it to function fully.
“While we still have concerns around the operation of this non-statutory group, as a means of resolving this dispute, we suggested increasing the representation of minority parties on the group (such as the DUP) in order to have a better balance of voices from minority communities like ours.
“Given that the purpose of the group is to foster ‘good relations’ within the district regarding contentious issues, it is important both sides of the community are heard.
