Alliance Councillor Eric Hanvey Resigns
Eric Hanvey, an Alliance councillor elected to Belfast City Council in 2019, has announced his resignation from the party and confirmed he will not contest the upcoming local election. Hanvey stated that his decision stems from becoming "disillusioned with politics."
He is the second councillor in Belfast to depart from a political party and assume independent status in recent weeks. Previously, Paul Doherty, former deputy Lord Mayor, left the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) following a disagreement over a council vote concerning a statue of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands.
Hanvey's departure reduces the Alliance Party's representation on the 60-member Belfast City Council to ten seats.
Hanvey's Views on Political Climate and Alliance Party
In an interview with BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, Hanvey expressed his concerns about the current political environment. He remarked that politicians appear to prioritise maintaining power over serving the public interest.
"Politicians have become more concerned about staying in power rather than doing what's right for the people."
Hanvey also conveyed his frustrations with the Alliance Party's decision to participate in the executive rather than remain in opposition.
"The party has been damaged by being in the executive."
He elaborated on the reasons he initially joined the Alliance Party, highlighting its focus on addressing fundamental issues in Northern Ireland politics.
"We've [Alliance] always been good, and the reason I joined Alliance, was in identifying the actual problems that lie at the heart of Northern Ireland politics.
I think sectarianism is the big issue that we've never dealt with - that the executive always shies away from - and I think we need to reform the institutions urgently, and I think that we could have done more to push that and be louder about doing it if we'd been outside of those institutions."
Hanvey further criticised the party for what he perceives as a missed opportunity to nurture young politicians by being in government rather than opposition.
"The party have wasted a generation of young politicians who would have been absolutely brilliant in opposition but haven't got that chance."
Criticism of Council Culture and Personal Reflections
Hanvey also voiced his dissatisfaction with what he described as "culture wars" within Belfast City Council.
"It just feels like there isn't a point to it, there isn't actually an effort to make life better for people, it is about looking at what will play best for the party or for whoever it is that's speaking - it's not about making a difference.
I dread going into full council meetings, it is deeply depressing."
He described the exchanges during council meetings as leaving him "frustrated, fed up, angry with it." While he does not regret entering politics, Hanvey expressed disappointment at not feeling he has effected meaningful change.
"The experience has been utterly frustrating."
Alliance Party Response
In response to Hanvey's resignation, an Alliance Party spokesperson issued a statement acknowledging his contributions.
"We want to thank Eric for his years of service to the party, to the council group, and to the people of Lisnasharragh.
We wish him all the very best for the future."
