Belfast postpones St Patrick’s Day parade due to Coronavirus COVID-19

Members debated the matter for an hour at short notice.

Many expressed concern at causing unnecessary “hysteria” while concerns about the nature of how the agenda was set for the meeting were also repeatedly raised.

A number of members call for a review of standing orders in relation to how Sinn Fein tabled the emergency motion.

The party proposed postponing the parade and associated events in light of cancellations of other St Patrick’s Day parades elsewhere in the south as a precautionary measure in the interests of health and safety.

In the end, members voted 24 for the Sinn Fein motion and two against.

An amendment calling for Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy to follow the example set in Dublin and set up a major fund to support committed businesses was defeated 13 votes to 24.