Deputy Mayor Hussey steps down from PCSP and loses vote

The Sinn Fein motion was passed by 25 votes to one, with Alderman Hussey the only person to vote against the motion.

The DUP representatives on the council abstained from voting.

The motion was passed despite Alderman Hussey agreeing earlier to step down as chair of the Policing Community Safety Partnership in favour of his Ulster Unionist colleague Mary Hamilton.

The council had been informed that an email sent earlier in the day by Ulster Unionist Party leader, Robin Swann, which confirmed the news that Mr. Hussey was stepping down from the local Policing Community Partnership.

In the email, Mr Swann referred to an increase in Alderman Hussey’s workload as Deputy Mayor as the reason for him stepping down as chair.

However, the Sinn Fein leader on council, Colr. Sandra Duffy, suggested that Mr Swann’s intervention had made matters worse.

“This has compounded the hurt of the families who have lost family members to drink driving,” she said.

Colr. Hussey said he had received many hundreds of messages of support during the week.

“My actions in the past were wrong and I have apologised for them.” he said.

“I do not seek to cause hurt by seeking to retain my position as Deputy Mayor.

“It was not me who caused the fatalities of these families or any fatalities.

“The irony of Sinn Fein bringing such a motion is not lost on anyone.”

Colr. Duffy continued: “I want to commend the Bradley and Gallagher families for the dignity and resolve they have shown over recent days.

“Colr. Hussey does not enjoy the confidence of the wider public and is undermining the approach which public bodies must take to issues such as drink driving.”