Sinn Féin representative Christopher Jackson has warned that local jobseekers were 'put off' by Armed Forces representation at a recent Derry jobs fair.

During Derry City and Strabane District Council’s September's meeting, councillor Jackson said he had been contacted by several residents, who said the inclusion of Royal Air Force (RAF) recruiters at a DfC-organised, cross-boarder jobs fair in early September was a 'barrier for their participation'.

“There were many people who were looking forward to the jobs fair, engaging with local employers, and seeking out any opportunities for a new career," he added.

“Quite a few young people were looking to start a career and they couldn't and wouldn't enter the room along with the British military, given their history in the city."

Councillor Jackson also attempted to put forward a proposal asking that council 'play no part' in any future fair involving the Armed Forces, which was declined by Mayor Grace Uí Niallais as it was a 'pop-up' motion and didn't allow other members time to consider it.

Councillor Jackson agreed to return the motion to a future meeting.

People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin noted that last year council rejected an Armed Forces stand at a similar fair at Foyle Arena, and argued that the recent RAF representation was a 'provocation' in response.

He said: “Our corporate positions should guide us; one is a very clear position about not supporting militarism, the second one is our Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) motion."

Speaking in relation to councillor Jackson's planned motion, he added: “I look forward to the opportunity where we can clarify what council should do and shouldn't do in relation to these types of provocations.”

DUP alderman Niree McMorris said job opportunities with the Armed Forces were something residents would 'aspire to'.

“To deny them that opportunity is wrong as far as I'm concerned, and I don't think that they should be having to do job fairs and secret in order to attract people in from a section or anybody in the community," she added.

UUP alderman Derek Hussey said he was 'incredibly proud' of his family's military history and concluded: “I find it disturbing that in a so-called shared society there are those who would try to prevent young people from having access to career opportunities.”