DUP ends seven-month boycott of council equality group

The DUP has rejoined Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Equality and Good Relations Reference Group after a seven-month boycott over a new Irish language policy; the council agreed revised membership that gives the DUP two seats.

The DUP has ended a seven-month boycott and rejoined Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Equality and Good Relations Reference Group after a full council meeting on January 12. The party withdrew from the group in June 2025, citing concerns about a new Irish language policy, signage in mainly unionist areas, and consultation procedures. The council later agreed an Ulster-Scots policy and created an Ulster-Scots and Ulster British Working Group. DUP representatives said the full council approved a change to the group's membership that increases unionist representation. Known details: - Five DUP councillors left the Equality and Good Relations Reference Group in June 2025, naming Irish signage, republican motions in the council chamber, and consultation processes as reasons for their withdrawal. - At the January 12 full council meeting, membership of the EGRRG was agreed as: 2 Sinn Féin, 2 SDLP, 2 DUP, 2 Alliance, 1 UUP and 1 Independent. - The council agreed an Ulster-Scots policy in November and set up an Ulster-Scots and Ulster British Working Group within the months following the boycott. - A public consultation recorded almost 445 responses, with about 80% of respondents saying the council had a role in visibly developing the Ulster Scots language. Summary: The DUP's return restores unionist representation on the council's equality group and follows recent council moves to recognise Ulster-Scots concerns. The meeting did not specify how the group's work would proceed. Further details were not provided.