Members debated the matter for an hour at short notice.

Many expressed concern at causing unnecessary “hysteria” while concerns about the nature of how the agenda was set for the meeting were also repeatedly raised.

A number of members call for a review of standing orders in relation to how Sinn Fein tabled the emergency motion.

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An Emergency Department Nurse during a demonstration of the Coronavirus pod and COVID-19 virus testing procedures set-up beside the Emergency Department of Antrim Area Hospital, Co Antrim in Northern Ireland. PA Photo. Picture date: Wednesday March 4, 2020. See PA story HEALTH Coronavirus Ulster. Photo credit should read: Michael Cooper/PA Wire

The party proposed postponing the parade and associated events in light of cancellations of other St Patrick’s Day parades elsewhere in the south as a precautionary measure in the interests of health and safety.

In the end, members voted 24 for the Sinn Fein motion and two against.