Alderman Glenn Barr tonight expressed his disappointment with the DUP for voting against him to be deputy Veterans’ Champion for Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Council.

At the monthly council meeting on Monday evening the DUP voted against Alderman Barr, an Armed Forces veteran still serving in the Army Reserve, in favour of a DUP councillor with no record of service to be the council’s deputy Veterans’ Champion.

Alderman Barr said, “It is very disappointing that now neither of ABC council’s Veterans’ Champions have served in the Armed Services. Veterans connect better with veterans and I believe I would have been better placed to understand the needs of my fellow servicemen and women and to champion their cause.

I am very grateful that the TUV and independent Unionist voted for me and put the interests of Veterans ahead of petty party politics.

I shall continue to proudly serve in His Majesty’s Armed Forces and to champion and represent Veterans at every opportunity.”