Speaking following the resignation of Cllr Paul Doherty's resignation from the SDLP, Gerry Carroll said: "The DUP's motion on the Twinbrook Bobby Sands statue was a craven, sectarian stunt designed to divide and distract the public. But given the facts that have now come to light since his resignation from the SDLP, Paul Doherty still has some questions to answer."
"This meeting was called with ample notice, two weeks in advance. Instead of showing up and voting against the DUP's intransigence, Paul Doherty missed the vote entirely."
"He also had the opportunity to raise his objections with his SDLP colleagues at their own internal meeting before the vote was taken, but he chose not to make his position known. If you feel strongly enough to resign over an issue, surely that means you should raise it beforehand?"
"It seems clear that Paul Doherty's resignation was the direct result of justified public backlash against the SDLP's weak position on this issue. Framing it as a principled stand doesn’t really hold up under scrutiny."
"Every councillor had the chance to face it down - but Paul Doherty chose not to take it. The motion passed by a narrow margin. The time to take a stand was in the council chamber, and Doherty wasn’t there."
"The reality is, the DUP are well practiced in creating sectarian distraction while the cost of living bites and public services are in crisis. People Before Profit has long argued that these sort of stunts help get all the big Stormont parties off the hook – not just the DUP. Unfortunately, the cynical posturing over the Sands statue is nothing new, and will happen again."
"That’s why People Before Profit will continue to take a principled stand, turning up to challenge the DUP and building people power to resist their backward agenda."
Paul Doherty's Resignation from the SDLP
"People Before Profit has long argued that these sort of stunts help get all the big Stormont parties off the hook – not just the DUP. Unfortunately, the cynical posturing over the Sands statue is nothing new, and will happen again. That’s why we will continue to take a principled stand."
