Correspondence from the Northern Ireland Office to concerns raised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in respect of legacy issues – particularly the British government’s controversial plans to bring about legislation that would ban all prosecutions related to The Troubles, with the introduction of a statute of limitations on incidents before 1998 – has been unanimously rejected, but action in response divided the Chamber.

It was noted a request for members to meet Secretary of State Brandon Lewis was not addressed, and he had not signed the letter.

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Chris McCaffrey described the letter as: “Reprehensible and deeply insulting to all victims and families, who rightfully expect and demand all parties live up to their commitments.

“They strongly object to this deluded command paper and de facto amnesty.

“We see a clear attempt to put British State forces beyond the law and deny access to the truth.”

He pointed out the legacy proposals have been widely rejected and: “If implemented would breach international law. The British government have not shown the integrity or dignity to deal with these matters.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor Howard Thornton felt the letter: “Outlines the reinforcement of the injustice already dealt to victims and families. No amnesty should be provided for anyone.

“We continue to support justice and if there is new evidence, it should be pursued in all cases. We are very much against this.”

Councillor Deborah Erskine, Democratic Unionist, said dealing with Northern Ireland’s past is  difficult and: “Even in the chamber can cause division. Ultimately our words can hurt innocent victims. Although sensitive, the approach should be victim-centred and victim-led. Justice must remain open to those who bear the loss of a loved one.”

She continued: “Reconciliation and the channels of justice should go hand-in-hand. The rule of law must apply fairly and equally.

“While some may choose to attack security forces, the vast majority did their job with utmost distinction. They do not seek or need an amnesty.

“Including them within these proposals is to equate them with terrorists whose only thought was murder and mayhem.”

The SDLP’s Councillor Adam Gannon echoed the difficulties of dealing with the past and said: “This amnesty is nothing but a brutal assault on victims and survivors.

“To shut down justice and close off avenues for truth and reconciliation is absolutely abhorrent. The proposals are hostile to the interests of victims and survivors, and the British government should withdraw them.”

‘Totally unacceptable’

Independent Councillor Josephine Deehan branded the proposals: “Totally unacceptable. There can be no reconciliation without trust, truth and justice. There can be no amnesty. Everyone must be responsible for their actions and accountable under the law.”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Anne-Marie Fitzgerald said the letter is “ridiculous – it is causing deep hurt and anger”. She described a party delegation meeting with the Omagh Bomb families, and after 23 years: “It’s still an open wound.”

She continued: “They and many others feel insulted. They have no answers, and no proper inquests. There’s a history of protection and collusion of those in higher authorities.

“Dealing with our past is a must, and it needs to be open and transparent. Answers are not what other forces want discovered, therefore everything is shut down for everyone.”

Councillor Eamon Keenan, Independent felt: “There should be no amnesty for anybody.”

He proposed writing back to the Secretary of State, stating: “We will not stand for an amnesty. We refute it and call for a reversal of the decision. It is no accident that the closer we get to unravelling collusion and other elements, the process has been stopped.”

This was seconded by Councillor Fitzgerald.

However, Ulster Unionist Councillor Chris Smyth said the support against the move was appreciated but it wasn’t the same when “letters of comfort were handed out a few years ago”.

Party colleague, Councillor Bert Wilson, said: “No-one is happy with an amnesty and there’s talk about collusion. I lost some of my family. Others were wounded and survived. Two friends, aged 19, who were part-time in the security forces were murdered. The sister of one took it so bad she committed suicide six months later.

“Look at others, including Lord Mountbatten and the young boy blown to pieces. There’s a lot of hurt out there. A lot of answers that seem to be very one-sided.”

Another party colleague, Councillor Alex Baird, challenged the wording of the proposal and was unhappy with reference to alleged collusion.

Councillor Keenan responded: “Collusion is a fact, not an insinuation.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor Victor Warrington pointed to: “Collusion on all sides. Let’s not forget garda collision with the IRA.”

The matter went to a vote which passed 19-12.