REPUBLICAN IS SHUNNED BY WORKMATES
Republican is shunned by workmates
By Martina Purdy Political Correspondent
CONTROVERSIAL republican Francie Mackey is facing objections from colleagues at work, it was claimed today.
The chairman of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, which has been linked to the Real IRA, was not available to comment on reports that some of his co-workers at Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital want him transferred.
A spokesperson for Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital confirmed Mr Mackey is employed by the Trust, but refused to comment further on his employment conditions.
The Omagh councillor, a psychiatric nurse, has faced a storm of criticism since the Real IRA bombed the town, killing 29 people and two unborn children.
Newspapers have reportedly received phone calls from Mr Mackey's co-workers who are angry he has returned to work this week.
One said: "This has caused great disquiet with staff. Some of them are very reluctant to work with him."
He added some are also concerned Mr Mackey will be coming into direct contact with patients who are being treated for stress, trauma and depression as a result of the bombing.
Mr Mackey initially refused to use the word 'condemn' in connection with the bomb, though he had supported a council motion condemning the atrocity.
He has come under pressure to resign from the council and Laurence Rush, the husband of one of the bomb victims, has vowed to 'hound him out of office.'
By Martina Purdy Political Correspondent
CONTROVERSIAL republican Francie Mackey is facing objections from colleagues at work, it was claimed today.
The chairman of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement, which has been linked to the Real IRA, was not available to comment on reports that some of his co-workers at Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital want him transferred.
A spokesperson for Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital confirmed Mr Mackey is employed by the Trust, but refused to comment further on his employment conditions.
The Omagh councillor, a psychiatric nurse, has faced a storm of criticism since the Real IRA bombed the town, killing 29 people and two unborn children.
Newspapers have reportedly received phone calls from Mr Mackey's co-workers who are angry he has returned to work this week.
One said: "This has caused great disquiet with staff. Some of them are very reluctant to work with him."
He added some are also concerned Mr Mackey will be coming into direct contact with patients who are being treated for stress, trauma and depression as a result of the bombing.
Mr Mackey initially refused to use the word 'condemn' in connection with the bomb, though he had supported a council motion condemning the atrocity.
He has come under pressure to resign from the council and Laurence Rush, the husband of one of the bomb victims, has vowed to 'hound him out of office.'
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0484
Published Date: 05-Nov-98
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