West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Concern that Douglas Bain is discriminating against nationalist communities

Published: 22 May, 2009

Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann has voiced concerns that the Chief Electoral Officer will make it more difficult for nationalists and republicans living in West Belfast and Derry to cast their votes on June 4th, the day of the European election.

Ms McCann said:

"The revelation that the Chief Electoral Officer Douglas Bain will send 'Special Polling Clerks' into only two constituencies in the North, namely Derry and West Belfast raises many serious concerns about how he views people living in these areas.

"We are led to believe that these special polling clerks will be there to monitor polling agents. The fact is that polling agents are there to ensure free and fair elections. I think that many people will be outraged at the inference about people living in these areas.

"We know that his actions have already contributed to the fact that almost 200,000 people who are entitled to vote are not on the register.

"We know that he has targeted larger households - and by inference nationalist households -and tried to force them off the register.

"I am deeply concerned that the Chief Electoral Officer will make it more difficult for nationalists and republicans living in West Belfast and Derry to cast their votes on June 4th, the day of the European election."