YEAR OF CHANGE ON POLITICAL FRONT
Year of change on the political front
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
The year started with (soon to be disgraced) Secretary of State, Peter Mandelson trying to bully Irish nationalist parties to accept his policing bill which had over 100 dilutions from the Patten Report.
The same month Omagh District Council held a public forum at which the annual rates bill and Council expenditure were discussed The Ulster History Park became the focus of criticism and rate payers demanded better communication between the Council and the public.
In the Herald dated February 22nd, May 16th was announced as the date for Council elections. The date was later changed to June 7th.
That same week the paper reported that local candidate Joe Byrne was stepped down by the SDLP so that high profile candidate Brid Rodgers could contest the Westminster seat.
By March 22nd the political parties were announcing their candidates for the local elections and major advertising campaigns got under way in respect of the Westminster Seat.
Johnny McLaughlin, who began his political career as an independent returned to his roots when he announced he would not be contesting the election under the Socialist Party banner.
Alliance Party Councillor, Ann Gormley announced she would not be defending her seat again, Mrs Gormley cited political changes following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and personal reasons for not contesting the seat she had held for eight years.
Francis Mackey - Chairman of the Thirty Two County Sovereignty Committee did not defend his seat either.
Letters to the UlsterHerald called for an electoral pact between Sinn Fein and the SDLP, for the Westminster election, it was initially ruled out by the SDLP, then there were talks which broke down, with both sides accusing the other of not taking proposals seriously.
Thirty three candidates lined up to contest 21 Council seats.
June 7th polling day. Pat Doherty ousts Willie Thompson, who came in second, Brid Rodgers came in third.
Michelle Gildernew won Fermanagh South Tyrone seat for Sinn Fein and for the first time, Sinn Fein surpass the SDLP as the largest nationalist party.
The SDLP bucked the trend at the local elections gaining a sixth seat.
In July, Trimble threatens to resign as First Minister if the IRA don't disarm.
Frantic talks take place at Weston Park, however, a new offer by the IRA is rejected and Trimble resigns. The Assembly is suspended for 24 hours to buy six weeks for the government, after which another 24 hour suspension does likewise.
Towards the end of August, Sinn Fein announces that it will take seats on Policing Board and Joe Byrne MLA is one of party's nominees. Debates on policing take place in Omagh and Strabane.
An IRA move on Arms breaks the Stormont deadlock however the numbers of guns, explosives or ammunition 'put beyond use' are not revealed. The Assembly is restored and Mark Durkan takes place of Seamus Mallon as Deputy First Minister, David Trimble is returned as First Minister.
Mark Durkan and Brid Rodgers become leader and deputy leader of the SDLP following retirement by John Hume and Seamus Mallon.
The GAA votes to repeal Rule 21 which excludes members of the security forces from taking part in GAA activities.
At the End of November, John Reid causes outrage amongst nationalists with his 'cold house for Protestants' speech.
In Mid-December, the Police Ombudsman reports that Special Branch did not pass on vital warnings to local police before Omagh bomb.
BY ADRIAN MULLAN
The year started with (soon to be disgraced) Secretary of State, Peter Mandelson trying to bully Irish nationalist parties to accept his policing bill which had over 100 dilutions from the Patten Report.
The same month Omagh District Council held a public forum at which the annual rates bill and Council expenditure were discussed The Ulster History Park became the focus of criticism and rate payers demanded better communication between the Council and the public.
In the Herald dated February 22nd, May 16th was announced as the date for Council elections. The date was later changed to June 7th.
That same week the paper reported that local candidate Joe Byrne was stepped down by the SDLP so that high profile candidate Brid Rodgers could contest the Westminster seat.
By March 22nd the political parties were announcing their candidates for the local elections and major advertising campaigns got under way in respect of the Westminster Seat.
Johnny McLaughlin, who began his political career as an independent returned to his roots when he announced he would not be contesting the election under the Socialist Party banner.
Alliance Party Councillor, Ann Gormley announced she would not be defending her seat again, Mrs Gormley cited political changes following the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and personal reasons for not contesting the seat she had held for eight years.
Francis Mackey - Chairman of the Thirty Two County Sovereignty Committee did not defend his seat either.
Letters to the UlsterHerald called for an electoral pact between Sinn Fein and the SDLP, for the Westminster election, it was initially ruled out by the SDLP, then there were talks which broke down, with both sides accusing the other of not taking proposals seriously.
Thirty three candidates lined up to contest 21 Council seats.
June 7th polling day. Pat Doherty ousts Willie Thompson, who came in second, Brid Rodgers came in third.
Michelle Gildernew won Fermanagh South Tyrone seat for Sinn Fein and for the first time, Sinn Fein surpass the SDLP as the largest nationalist party.
The SDLP bucked the trend at the local elections gaining a sixth seat.
In July, Trimble threatens to resign as First Minister if the IRA don't disarm.
Frantic talks take place at Weston Park, however, a new offer by the IRA is rejected and Trimble resigns. The Assembly is suspended for 24 hours to buy six weeks for the government, after which another 24 hour suspension does likewise.
Towards the end of August, Sinn Fein announces that it will take seats on Policing Board and Joe Byrne MLA is one of party's nominees. Debates on policing take place in Omagh and Strabane.
An IRA move on Arms breaks the Stormont deadlock however the numbers of guns, explosives or ammunition 'put beyond use' are not revealed. The Assembly is restored and Mark Durkan takes place of Seamus Mallon as Deputy First Minister, David Trimble is returned as First Minister.
Mark Durkan and Brid Rodgers become leader and deputy leader of the SDLP following retirement by John Hume and Seamus Mallon.
The GAA votes to repeal Rule 21 which excludes members of the security forces from taking part in GAA activities.
At the End of November, John Reid causes outrage amongst nationalists with his 'cold house for Protestants' speech.
In Mid-December, the Police Ombudsman reports that Special Branch did not pass on vital warnings to local police before Omagh bomb.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0909
Published Date: 03-Jan-02
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