DUP'S FURY AT MACKEY HYPOCRISY
DUP's fury at Mackey 'hypocrisy'
By Noel McAdam
OMAGH councillor Francie Mackey was today accused of hypocrisy after refusing to condemn the bomb massacre.
His DUP council colleague Tom Buchanan said: "When you have someone talking about the grief in this community yet refusing to condemn those who are responsible for it that is hypocrisy staring you in the face."
And he added: "Whether Mr Mackey can stay as a councillor, now we will have to wait to see."
Mr Mackey, a leading member of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, said there was no justification for the huge bomb but said he would not engage in the "media's word games" of condemnation.
"The Government and the security forces have tried to demonise me for being honest and open in expression of my political opinions," he added.
"The situation is that someone came to Omagh last Saturday and planted a bomb. We don't know the circumstances. The facts may never be known.
"The reality is that it took place and it has been a terrible, terrible tragedy."
Speaking after a special council meeting at which he joined other members in signing a book of condolence, Mr Mackey said he and the 32 County group had never been involved in military activity.
Mr Mackey, a councillor for the last 15 years, is the only elected member of 32 County Sovereignty Committee which has been consistently linked to the so-called Real IRA, the group suspected of carrying out the bombing.
He was suspended from Sinn Fein after he argued it had abandoned republicanism by signing up to the Good Friday Agreement, which he said should be opposed "by whatever means".
Mr Buchanan said: "Obviously Mr Mackey has been consistent in his views over the years, but whether he can survive or not in office we will just have to wait and see."
By Noel McAdam
OMAGH councillor Francie Mackey was today accused of hypocrisy after refusing to condemn the bomb massacre.
His DUP council colleague Tom Buchanan said: "When you have someone talking about the grief in this community yet refusing to condemn those who are responsible for it that is hypocrisy staring you in the face."
And he added: "Whether Mr Mackey can stay as a councillor, now we will have to wait to see."
Mr Mackey, a leading member of the 32 County Sovereignty Committee, said there was no justification for the huge bomb but said he would not engage in the "media's word games" of condemnation.
"The Government and the security forces have tried to demonise me for being honest and open in expression of my political opinions," he added.
"The situation is that someone came to Omagh last Saturday and planted a bomb. We don't know the circumstances. The facts may never be known.
"The reality is that it took place and it has been a terrible, terrible tragedy."
Speaking after a special council meeting at which he joined other members in signing a book of condolence, Mr Mackey said he and the 32 County group had never been involved in military activity.
Mr Mackey, a councillor for the last 15 years, is the only elected member of 32 County Sovereignty Committee which has been consistently linked to the so-called Real IRA, the group suspected of carrying out the bombing.
He was suspended from Sinn Fein after he argued it had abandoned republicanism by signing up to the Good Friday Agreement, which he said should be opposed "by whatever means".
Mr Buchanan said: "Obviously Mr Mackey has been consistent in his views over the years, but whether he can survive or not in office we will just have to wait and see."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0042
Published Date: 18-Aug-98
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