No place for ‘gender allocation’ in modern society, says Currie

The former Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has used her outgoing speech to stress the importance of ensuring women are encouraged into all sections of life including politics, employment and education, while pointing out there is “No place for gender allocation”.

Councillor Siobhan Currie had only been elected to represent Erne North when nominated for the position of Chair and she thanked Sinn Fein for placing their faith in her.

Despite the challenges brought by coronavirus restrictions in the closing months of her term, Councillor Currie continued her work where safety measures permitted, although she was saddened events such as St Patrick’s Day celebrations had to be cancelled, as well as a number of visits and opportunities to welcome people to the area on behalf of Council.

On taking on the role, Councillor Currie emphasised her four objectives while in post, all of which she was actively working on beforehand and will be continuing to do so.

A passionate Irish speaker, and currently awaiting exam results on this, she strove to have the language incorporated and enhanced into more daily use.

Councillor Currie also emphasised tourism, and relished visiting all areas within the council district, which she was anxious should be enjoyed by all – residents and visitors alike.

Environment was another important issue and something Councillor Currie has committed to continuing in order to preserve and protect natural resources and prevent the disruption of significant areas of countryside.

However, it is her commitment to the empowerment of women and promotion of gender equality which was particularly notable, while in post.

She told members: “You will know in my term, I made particular use of the word Chair. Councillor (Errol) Thompson always addressed me as Madam Chair and I know it was done with absolute respect but I see no place for gender allocation.”

Councillor Currie also referred to the Ulster Unionist’s Councillor Alex Baird who, “Insisted on calling me Chairman.”

He responded by pointing out she repeatedly called him Councillor “Bard” adding the word Chairman is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as the person in charge of a meeting.

It should be noted however, on cross-checking this, the Dictionary also provides “Chair” as an alternative.

Reflecting on her term Councillor Currie, said she had witnessed first-hand the exceptional performance of council staff and management and thanked them in particular for their determinism during the coronavirus health crisis.

She noted how all had adapted to various challenges and expressed her thanks for this.

Councillor Currie expressed gratitude to her Vice-Chair, Diana Armstrong, residents of the district and to all council members for, “Their respect both to me and the Chair.”

She paid tribute to Chief Executive Alison McCullagh, for her calm, thorough and professional approach and constant support throughout.

It was pointed out Ms McCullough had only just been appointed Chief Executive when she was plunged into dealing with coronavirus issues, which she carried out with impeccably.

In concluding, Councillor Currie wished her successor Councillor Chris Smyth the very best for his term, and confirmed she will return to the back benches from where she will continue to work for her constituents, while promoting the issues she espoused while in office.