THE fall-out from what was described as ‘censorship’ of a Sinn Fein motion is continuing, with the party’s group leader on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council advising they are “very sore” by how matters were handled.

The party was further annoyed at being left unable to discuss their concerns fully with the person they blame for the move – Ulster Unionist Councillor Chris Smyth – resigning as Chairman minutes into last week’s Council meeting.

Frustration was evident, although newly installed Chair, Diana Armstrong, attempted to quell the situation.

The Sinn Fein motion called for the creation of space for planning constitutional change in Ireland as the centenary of the Government of Ireland Act approaches.

Describing the motion as a “hack job ... with a myriad of errors”, the former Chair disallowed its inclusion on the agenda.

He insisted Sinn Fein were told to correct and re-submit it, which they did not do.

The new Chair had just taken her seat when motion proposer, Councillor Stephen McCann, enquired around procedural issues.

He maintained the motion was: “Comprehensive, complete, relevant to the district and had a number of clear and concise actions arising from it. I was told it was rejected having been deemed incomplete.”

The Chair said she was aware Councillor McCann had been in discussions with the Chief Executive, and the motion could be re-submitted for the next meeting.

Councillor McCann continued: “Very valid questions remain. We must have full confidence in our policies and procedures.

“I feel serious damage has been done by the actions of Councillor Smyth. Any councillor should have the confidence to table a motion without being interfered with.

“I ask for measures to be put in place to ensure nothing like this happens again.”

He felt the position was: “Wholly unsatisfactory. I will be exploring other democratic and, indeed, legal routes.”

Motion seconder, Councillor Chris McCaffrey, was equally aggrieved. He said: “Regrettably I have serious matters to raise, and I’m looking answers on why this motion was censored and blocked by the outgoing Chair.

“Instead of allowing open dialogue and discussion, a wayward decision was taken. The motion couldn’t have been any more relevant as it pertained to legislation which imposed the reprehensible burden of partition on our island.

“This affected Fermanagh more than any other county in Ireland. We only have to look at our villages, which have been ripped apart at the behest of partition.”

Without a cited rationale for blocking the motion, except punctuation, Councillor McCaffrey alleged: “The fact is, the previous Chair didn’t want this motion to be heard. I believe he went beyond his remit and has let political bias influence his decision.”

While criticising press commentary by Councillor Smyth, who alluded to Councillor McCaffery’s failure to pick up text errors in the motion, despite being a teacher, the Chair stepped in.

She said: “This is getting into personal matters that I am not comfortable with. I ask you to cease talking now.

“I’ve made it clear the motion can be re-submitted for consideration at the next meeting. That’s my determination.”

Councillor McCaffrey again spoke out, requesting an apology from Councillor Smyth, but was muted.

Rounding off, Sinn Fein group leader Councillor Barry McElduff remarked: “We are very sore with what has taken place.”