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Belfast councillors on the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee are meeting behind closed doors to discuss holding a reception for members of the armed forces taking part in the "Homecoming Parade" from Iraq and Afghanistan scheduled for November 2nd. The DUP Councillor Robin Newton says he hopes "those who feel they are unable to vote for will at least not vote against. The worst thing for the city will be if this issue becomes a political football".

Cllr Newton quotes Sinn Fein's Michael Browne, welcoming Belfast's gay pride events, as saying "all citizens of Belfast should be treated with respect".

So are we in for a bit of political football or not?

UPDATE: The committee has narrowly voted to give the armed forces a reception. The proposal - which was backed by unionists but opposed by the SDLP and Sinn Fein - was carried by two votes. It now has to go before the full council next month for ratification.

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