RELATIVES HOLD VIGIL FOR OMAGH VICTIMS
Relatives hold vigil for Omagh victims
By STEVEN MOORE
Call for councillor to fight by-election
RELATIVES of some of those killed in the Omagh bomb held a silent, vigil last night as a motion was debated calling for controversial councillor Francie Mackey to resign.
But the 32-County Sovereignty Committee chairman remained adamant he was not prepared to give up his seat, despite claims his party is linked to the Real IRA, responsible for the August blast which claimed the lives of 29 people.
Members urged Mr Mackey, who changed party after his election, to stand down and fight a by-election, claiming his presence was eroding public confidence In the council. However, following a Sinn Fein amendment, which called for Mr Mackey to go as he was no longer a member of the party, the majority of councillors abstained, accusing SF of political point-scoring.
Independent Labour councillor John McLaughlin, who had put forward the original proposal, joined SDLP, DUP, Alliance and Ulster Unionist members in shunning the amendment, which was passed by just five votes.
Victims' relatives later accused the council of failing to send a clear message to Mr Mackey.
Later, standing just yards from family members of some of those murdered in the blast, the councillor insisted he would not step down.
"A terrible tragedy in this town, in our town, which occurred on August 15 was devastating to each and every one of us," he said.
He accused those behind the motion of opportunism, intimidation and demonisation.
By STEVEN MOORE
Call for councillor to fight by-election
RELATIVES of some of those killed in the Omagh bomb held a silent, vigil last night as a motion was debated calling for controversial councillor Francie Mackey to resign.
But the 32-County Sovereignty Committee chairman remained adamant he was not prepared to give up his seat, despite claims his party is linked to the Real IRA, responsible for the August blast which claimed the lives of 29 people.
Members urged Mr Mackey, who changed party after his election, to stand down and fight a by-election, claiming his presence was eroding public confidence In the council. However, following a Sinn Fein amendment, which called for Mr Mackey to go as he was no longer a member of the party, the majority of councillors abstained, accusing SF of political point-scoring.
Independent Labour councillor John McLaughlin, who had put forward the original proposal, joined SDLP, DUP, Alliance and Ulster Unionist members in shunning the amendment, which was passed by just five votes.
Victims' relatives later accused the council of failing to send a clear message to Mr Mackey.
Later, standing just yards from family members of some of those murdered in the blast, the councillor insisted he would not step down.
"A terrible tragedy in this town, in our town, which occurred on August 15 was devastating to each and every one of us," he said.
He accused those behind the motion of opportunism, intimidation and demonisation.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/358
Published Date: 04-Nov-98
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