Scandal Erupts: Belfast Council in Turmoil After No Confidence Vote Against Education Minister

Belfast City Council finds itself in chaos as a motion of no confidence was passed against Education Minister Paul Givan, following a dramatic walkout of several councillors during a heated debate. This motion, initiated by Sinn Féin councillor Caoimhín McCann, garnered 40 votes to 15, indicating strong dissent within the council. The tensions rose particularly around Givan’s recent six-day trip to Israel, which has sparked further controversy and led to an anticipated similar motion at Stormont.

The council meeting’s disruption began when a proposal by Sinn Féin to discuss Givan’s actions was allegedly mishandled by DUP Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly, prompting a walkout from members of Sinn Féin, SDLP, Green Party, and People Before Profit. Despite the initial discord, after almost an hour, councillors returned to their seats amidst chaotic scenes, culminating in a vote that resulted in a short adjournment being allowed, passed by a narrow margin of 19 to 15. However, not all parties were pleased; TUV councillor Ron McDowell condemned Sinn Féin’s actions as an attempt to hijack the proceedings.

Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Doherty highlighted that the exodus was occasioned by restrictions on discussing Palestine, adding that the mayor had shut down important conversations to shield Givan from accountability regarding his trip. After a return to order, the council approved a proposal to fly the Palestinian flag at City Hall later this month, showing an increase in the focus on human rights issues despite unionist opposition.

Meanwhile, McCann’s proposal also included a demand that the Education Department remove content related to Givan’s trip from public channels and formally declare the council’s lack of confidence in him. In contrast, DUP councillor Sarah Bunting defended Givan’s actions, alleging that the no confidence vote was mere petty politicking and not within the council’s purview, asserting that Givan had upheld the ministerial code throughout his trip. This saga highlights the growing rift in Belfast’s political landscape, where education and human rights issues are becoming increasingly intertwined in the ongoing council debates.