Question mark still hangs over Parkhall
Thursday, 22 May 2008
PARKHALL College remains in limbo this week after it emerged that less than half of the parents polled on the seismic shift towards integrated status used their vote.
Under the strict rules governing transformation at least 50 per cent must use their vote for a result to stand - but the Guardian has learned that the final figure after the polls closed on Friday was 'just shy of that'.
The result has been interpreted as a vote of no confidence in the process by critics happy to see the wheels come off the integration band wagon - though supporters are equally adamant that public squabbling on the implications of a new cross-community ethos in the staunchly Protestant school was a 'turn-off'.
Regardless of the what drove the apparent apathy, the inconclusive result has paved the way for a nail-biting fourth vote - and this time winner takes all.
A spokesman for Electoral Reform Services in London confirmed last night that the failure to reach quota put the wheels in motion for yet another test of public opinion, though this time the 50 per cent rule does not apply.
“The legislation states that in this follow-up vote a simple majority is enough. Theoretically it could be decided by a single vote," said the insider.
Ballot papers are already in the post for the unprecedented fourth vote, which must be held within two weeks of the first. That rule gives both sides of the debate until the end of May to mobilise their vote-weary troops for one final show of strength.
