Sinn Féin policing chair in Lisburn facing code of conduct probe after Orange Order march blocked on Garvaghy Road

The Lisburn chairman of a council’s policing body has been reported to a public watchdog over his conduct during recent protests in Portadown. An ongoing standoff has seen politics in Northern Ireland reach crisis point after an Orange Order march through the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road in Portadown was blocked by large crowds of protesters. It is understood that a complaint has been made against Lisburn North Sinn Féin councillor Declan Lynch, who was said to be present on the Garvaghy Road at the time of the protest.

The NI Local Government Commissioner’s Office said: “The Local Government Commissioner for Standards has received a number of allegations relating to possible breaches of the Code of Conduct for Councillors in recent days. “We are currently assessing the allegations.