Belfast 'yes' for forces welcome

The council has voted to put on a welcome for the soldiers

Belfast City councillors have voted in favour of a reception for members of the armed forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Councillors voted 26 to 20 in favour of the event.

It will coincide with a homecoming parade organised by the armed forces. The events are due to take place on 2 November.

Sinn Féin voted against, the Alliance Party, which holds the balance of power on the council, voted in favour.

The DUP's Nigel Dodds said: "I am delighted that Belfast City Council has agreed to civic hospitality on the occasion of the special event for our troops and servicemen who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"It's a great pity that nationalists couldn't bring themselves to support what is not a political event, but is something which is simply giving thanks and praise to God for their safe return."

Sinn Féin's Paul Maskey said the council "now endorses the war in Afghanistan and Iraq".

"I think it's a very poor decision, and what this has also done is create a division within this city," he said.

"We in Belfast City Council have worked very hard over recent years to bring all communities together, and what this has done is send out all the wrong messages."

Last month, a council committee voted to host a parade and civic reception for the personnel.

However, that decision had to be ratified at Monday night's full council meeting.