By Iveren McCallion
Sparks are expected to fly at tonight's full council meeting after it was suggested that a Health Committee will not be set up despite the Emergency Department staffing crisis at Daisy Hill Hospital.
A Health Working Group (HWG), made up of councillors that will meet activists and campaigners, has been proposed in its place.
Such a group would not have the power or budget to effect change but would simple advise the Trusts and Ambulance Service of people's concerns after meeting with key campaigning groups. Any meetings of the HWG would not be under obligation to be made public but would take place behind closed doors.
In this way the council would act as a conduit between the people and the Southern Health Trust.
Speaking to Q Radio, Newry, Mourne and Down district council chair Roisín Mulgrew said the aim is to approach with "one strong, cohesive, united, lobbying voice".
The plan to set up the group needs to be ratified at tonight's meeting but opposition is expected, those against it say the aim should be to achieve transparency by opening up meetings to the public.
But Roisin says it's the only way to ensure the group is completely cross-community:
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