By Donal McMahon
A SDLP councillor has quipped that he had a Justin McNulty MLA type helicopter ready to fly him 30 miles from Downpatrick to Newry in 20mins.
Slieve Gullion rep, Pete Bryne was in the Downshire civic chamber attending a Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) committee meeting on Thursday night (May 16).
The south Armagh maths teacher made known his travel arrangements in similar vein to his party colleague MLA Justin McNulty, who controversially flew to a GAA match in Wexford as Laois manager from the Stormont Assembly in February.
Cllr Byrne said: “Chair, sorry for jumping in, but I actually have to leave now in one minute.
“I’ve to be in Newry in 20mins.”
The councillor’s announcement received a loud collective laugh from chamber colleagues as the journey should take approximately one hour by car.
The elected rep had highlighted his other commitment during a heated debate on the new £17m council civic hub and before the committee went in to confidential session for eight out of nine items on the agenda.
Responding to the amused committee, Cllr Byrne said :”I’ve got a helicopter.”
The level of laughter then increased dramatically with Downpatrick SDLP rep, Gareth Sharvin stepping in, saying: “He doesn’t actually, just for the record, he doesn’t have a…(helicopter).”
The Slieve Gullion member interjected: “Guys, this is audio recorded, Cllr Lewis (DUP) has just reminded me this is audio recorded.
“So, I’ll think of my excuse on the way home.
“I just wanted to say I fully support the recommendation from the officers (to proceed with plans for Newry civic centre) as I won’t be here to vote.”
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 