Ards and North Down Council committee approved a DUP motion to allocate significant funds for events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

DUP Councillor Carl McClean proposed the expenditure to recognise the high regard Northern Ireland receives from US administrations and citizens. He highlighted the central role of Ulster-Scots people as founders of the American republic.

McClean suggested the council join forces with three other Northern Ireland councils already planning related activities to stage a major one-off event. He acknowledged the need for substantial financial input but described the occasion as exceptional.

DUP Councillor Jennifer Gilmour supported the motion and noted recent golf successes by Rory McIlroy as a factor raising the borough's profile.

Deputy Mayor Vicky Moore called for the events to include context on historical society, such as most Declaration of Independence signers owning slaves.

UUP Alderman Philip Smith endorsed the proposal as timely. He stated that Ulster-Scots individuals signed the Declaration, printed it, and designed its seal.

DUP Alderman Stephen McIlveen pointed to local historical ties to America, including Viscount Castlereagh's role in negotiating the US-Canada boundary.

McClean addressed the proposal's context by noting American revolutionaries viewed themselves as English subjects seeking rights from Magna Carta, the Petition of Rights, and the Bill of Rights.

The motion requires ratification by the full Ards and North Down Council.