An Ulster Unionist councillor has expressed what appeared to be disdain for the media, contending he “wouldn’t like to be dependent on it for information [and] wouldn’t like to depend on any form of Press”.

Councillor John McClaughry made the remarks when another member drew reference to a Local Democracy article on concerns around a PSNI decision to provide escorting explosives for the mining industry free of charge.

Previously, Councillor McClaughry told the Chamber this came about due to a “policy change” based on legal advice; however, a Freedom of Information request has established no such policy ever existed.

It continued: “There is not currently, nor has there previously been any PSNI policy in force, relating to providing police escorts for explosives within the mining industry. Accordingly, the PSNI does not hold the information sought.”

This throws the situation into further confusion and calls into question how a policy can be changed if it doesn’t exist.

In a direct response quoted verbatim, Chief Superintendent Donaldson responded: “The decision not to charge for ‘special police services’ is not a change of policy; rather, it’s a new position we were obliged to adopt given the very clear legal advice that was presented.”

On the back of the news article, published on March 17, Councillor Emmet McAleer, Independent, proposed contacting the Department of Justice, the Policing Board and, if relevant, the Police Ombudsman; however, he was reminded by the Chair, Councillor Errol Thompson, that an informal meeting with the PSNI is pending.

Some members indicated having no knowledge of the Press coverage, which Councillor McAleer said: “I would raise an eyebrow to that ... I also query if the previous reasons and excuses still apply.

"If this is a new position, given the undoubted public interest and the potential costs, what consultation was carried out?”

The Chair suggested waiting until after the meeting with the PSNI, and discussions could flow from that.

While Councillor McAleer agreed, he expressed concern around the informal meeting being “behind closed doors” to the exclusion of the public and Press.

However, the Chair assured matters raised would be discussed in open session at the next Council meeting.

Ulster Unionist Councillor John McClaughry appeared to express disdain for Press in his remarks, telling members while some may keep up to date with the local newspapers: “I don’t always get it [them] and I definitely don’t read it.

"I wouldn’t like to be dependent on it for information. I wouldn’t like to depend on any form of Press.

"If there is a document out there, it would be nice for us to have been furnished with it before any proposals were made.”

Party colleague Councillor Howard Thornton said he was “totally lost; I don’t have any idea what’s being talked about”/

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Tommy Maguire sought clarification, as members were being asked to discuss a proposal “on the back of a news report".

He continued: "To give full support, the least we could expect is the paper produced with the detail.

"We hear the issue of making decisions behind closed doors, but we are being asked to make a decision without the information, which is equally as troubling.”

Chief Executive Alison McCullagh confirmed members would normally have access to information to allow consideration of proposals which may flow from it.

She advised the article in question would be obtained, along with detail, and placed on the agenda for the forthcoming PSNI meeting.

The Freedom of Information response was subsequently sent directly to the Chief Executive, who has confirmed receipt.