Chris McCaffrey, Sinn Fein. Councillors are divided on a suggestion to ask a County Fermanagh native, described as “an expert on prison refrom”, to provide a presentation on the subject. During a meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, members discussed a public consultation on the Reform of Rehabilitation Periods in the criminal justice system. A draft response put to members was commended by Ulster Unionist Councillor Howard Thornton, who proposed it be accepted. Seconding, Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh, Independent, said he was: “Shocked . by how backward some sentencing structures are . We understand the nature of crime, and people have to face the consequences, but it’s also vitally important they have an opportunity to turn their lives around.”
The decision was taken at a meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
Only the DUP themselves voted against, with one declaring the debate a: “DUP bashing session”, before throwing down the gauntlet demanding Sinn Fein apologise for attending Bobby Storey’s funeral.
Members were discussing a Good Relations Audit report which highlighted the overarching aspect of “Everybody belongs”, when Sinn Fein councillor Anthony Feely said the community was “shocked and angered” by Mr Campbell’s remarks, and proposed writing to the DUP leader.
Seconding, Independent councillor Emmet McAleer said: “The comments were actually quite disgusting. The MP in question has refused to apologise. It’s outrageous he is trying to stand by explicitly racist comments. It’s vitally important a unified message is sent out from this council.”
A Northern Ireland council has voted to write to DUP leader Arlene Foster seeking action against her colleague Gregory Campbell, following his comments that all five finalists on the Songs of Praise ‘Gospel Singer of the Year’ were black.
Stephen McCann, Sinn Fein. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has voted in support of a motion on Partition, which caused controversy last month when then Chair, Councillor Chris Smyth refused to allow it on the agenda, leading to fury in the chamber. Rumours of a no-confidence vote were quickly quashed when the Chair opened the December meeting by announcing he was standing down mid-term and handing over to party colleague Councillor Diana Armstrong. The swift, unexpected departure of the Chair in the midst of the furore, left Sinn Fein members frustrated and angry. The motion however was re-submitted and discussed at the January meeting, although Ulster Unionist Councillor Bert Wilson tabled an amendment.