Sinn Féin Councillor Gary McCleave has accused the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh Council of ‘misusing power’ to by-pass a vote on flying the union flag.

 Cllr Gary McCleave said:

 “On Tuesday night, the Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh took an outrageous decision to avoid a vote on flying the union flag to mark so-called Brexit Day.

 “This is a misuse of power given that Councillors had just voted to reject a proposal to light up the building in blue for the same purpose.

 “Brexit will do untold damage to this Council area and this island as a whole – it’s not something that should be celebrated by anyone.

 “The Mayor should reconsider this decision immediately.”