Ards and North Down Borough Council has approved sending a councillor to a history seminar in County Wicklow at a cost of €50, after a tied vote was resolved by the Lord Mayor’s casting vote.

The invitation came from Wicklow County Council to attend the 36th La Touche Legacy Seminar and 11th Festival of History, to be held on Saturday 19 September at Greystones Golf Club. The programme includes presentations on Ireland’s economic, political and social history, with sessions such as “Industry and Policy – Independent Ireland 1922–1972” and “From Crown to Harp: How the Treaty was undone, 1922-49.”

Alliance Alderman Martin McRandal nominated party colleague Alderman Alan McDowell to attend, seconded by SDLP Councillor Joe Boyle. DUP Alderman Stephen McIlveen told the chamber the agenda had no bearing on the council’s work. DUP Alderman Robert Adair said the event offered no benefit to ratepayers and described it as a holiday or junket, adding that those who wished to go should cover their own costs.

A show of hands produced 13 votes in favour and 13 against, with six abstentions. The Lord Mayor, UUP Councillor Craig Blaney, used his casting vote to support the motion, allowing Alderman McDowell to attend.