Councillors face official complaint after Omagh vote furore
A WOMAN who lost her brother in the Omagh bombing is to contact the Local Government Commissioner over a council vote to oppose the extradition of the alleged bomber.
Liam Campbell was found civilly liable for the 1998 atrocity, which claimed the lives of 29 people including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured 220 others.
Last week a committee at Omagh and Fermanagh council voted to oppose Campbell’s extradition to Lithuania, over allegations he was part of an operation to buy guns and bombs for the Real IRA.
Claire Monteith, whose brother Alan Radford was among the dead, was among those who spoke of her anger at the vote.
She now plans to make a complaint to the Local Government Commissioner for Standards over the content of the motion, the manner in which it was dealt with in the chamber, and the fallout it caused.
She is reporting independent councillor Bernice Swift, who proposed the motion, and committee chair, Sinn Fein councillor Stephen Mccann, to the commissioner.
She alleges they are in breach of the Nolan Principles of Public Life.
After a 12-year legal battle, the High Court in Dublin ordered Campbell’s extradition to Lithuania where a European Arrest Warrant was issued in 2016.
This states he allegedly organised the smuggling of weapons in support of “terrorist grouping” the Real IRA between 2006 and 2007.
Last week a proposal was rapidly put through Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Policy and Resources Committee meeting.
Chaired by Mr Mccann, who permitted the last-minute notice of the proposal, there was no open debate. When some members tried, Mr Mccann moved into confidential business — supported by party colleagues — ordering the recording to be stopped.
Ms Swift asked the council to oppose Campbell’s extradition under human rights.
She said: “He is an Irish citizen and we all know the track record of the Lithuanian prison regime. Previous High Courts have contended that the judgment is a breach of his human rights. We wouldn’t want to see anyone from this country being treated in such inhumane conditions.
“As an elected representative, I wish to protect the fundamental human and civil rights of anybody against abuses. I ask for support to stop that extradition and (council) write to the departments on behalf of Liam and his family.”
A vote came in 23 in favour, 14 against and one abstention.
It was opposed by unionists but passed with support from the SDLP, Sinn Fein and others. The SDLP later apologised and said it will oppose the motion when it comes before the full council for ratification next week.
Explaining her decision to contact the commissioner, Ms Monteith said: “I’ve taken time to deliberate and make sure I haven’t misheard or misinterpreted commentary. I wasn’t going to be accused of a knee-jerk, spur-ofthe-moment decision — a tactic deployed by others in this upsetting matter.
“Having studied the Nolan Principles of Public Life, I am reporting councillor Swift as proposer and Councillor Mccann, as committee chair, to the Local Government Commissioner.
“It is my view, they are in breach, particularly the principles of accountability and openness. Holders of public offices should act solely in terms of public interest.
“They must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions, and accordingly must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.”
Claire concluded: “This is not going to be simply swept under the carpet or conveniently hidden away. Omagh victims, like all innocents and those left behind toiling with heartache and injustice, are entitled to respect.
“It’s time more people — particularly those involved in this deeply insensitive matter — realised that, and if they care so much about human rights, perhaps they’d take time to fight for ours.”
Both councillors were contacted for comment.