A PROPOSAL based on correspondence from the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) inviting the lighting up of civic buildings, as ‘A Moment of Reflection’, has been defeated at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

This move  was described as part of an extensive programme marking the Centenary of Northern Ireland during 2021, showcasing the very best and shining a light on its people, places and products.

The plan was for a coordinated lighting up of buildings across the UK from 6pm to midnight on Friday, October 22, “creating a unique moment of reflection, hope and inspiration, alongside public recognition of the enduring contribution to civic and cultural life of all the buildings involved”.

Democratic Unionist Councillor Deborah Erskine proposed joining the initiative, noting: “I know people will differ, but it is a moment for us to reflect on our history, while moving forward.

“Hopefully, we can be mature in our conversation around the Centenary.”

This was seconded by party colleague, Councillor Paul Robinson.

However, Sinn Fein’s councillor Tommy Maguire opposed, stating: “As this has come from the UK government rather than our own people, I don’t agree with it.

“The UK government has certainly nothing to offer the people I represent over the last 100 years, with a history of hardship and discrimination.

“Thankfully, we’re working our way through that, and the future is looking a lot brighter. I don’t think this Council should be involved.”

In contrast, Ulster Unionist Councillor Alex Baird told members: “I’m disappointed at the line Councillor Maguire has taken.

“I would have thought we had some maturity in a spirit of mutual respect. It’s unfortunate we’re going to split on this.”

Party colleague, Councillor Diana Armstrong, also supported lighting up the buildings “as a measure of success as to how we’ve worked together to create a balanced civic society”.

Independent Councillor Bernice Swift “totally refuted” the NIO correspondence.

She said: “Never mind the insensitivities, considering what the Centenary represented for a lot of our citizens, I am totally opposed to any lighting up of buildings.

“It would be much better if they shone a light on the real story of the outworkings of Partition, such as oppression, discrimination and blatant inequalities; indeed, also the murder of citizens.

“This is not sensitive, and is certainly against the wishes of those I represent.”

Councillor Swift further added: “I take exception to some of the language of ‘demonstrating maturity’. We represent the people who democratically elected us, and that’s our ‘maturity’.”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Chris McCaffrey felt the suggestion “is not something any self-respecting Nationalist or Republican could support”.

The councillor continued: “Partition was completely detrimental to the people of Fermanagh. The Irish identity was oppressed.

“Our people were discriminated against, in terms of housing, education and employment. It went on for decades.

“There was [a] one-party Orange state and police state. Nothing about Partition is positive. This is a political manoeuvre by the British government.

“In the interest of pluralism and showing respect, asking people to be part of something that commemorates something that actually damaged our Irish identity, is just ridiculous.”

Independent Councillor Eamon Keenan agreed, stating: “Partition was wrong, and caused oppression.

“It’s left us where the only thing that has thrived and survived is sectarianism. Lighting up civic buildings makes that seem okay.

“Many Irish people were sentenced to death and lifetimes in jails in civic buildings and courthouses.”

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Sheamus Greene remarked, “If Boris Johnson thinks that anyone I represent is inspired by 100 years of Partition, he’s deluded.”

Party colleague, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, described the suggestion as ironic, because “for many years, the lighting up of buildings was the burning of Nationalist houses”.

He continued: “We should see this for what it is – absolutely nothing to unify people, but something to be totally objected to.”

Also from Sinn Fein, Councillor Catherine Kelly said: “I understand this is divisive, but I concur with my colleagues.

“Partition did nothing for my constituents. It brought hardship, immigration and lost sons and daughters. There’s nothing to celebrate in my community.”

The final speaker, Ulster Unionist Councillor Matthew Bell, noted the proposal was “careful not to sound triumphalist or cause hurt to sections of the community which may not support it”.

He added: “It’s just an opportunity to reflect on our shared 100 years. Although some in the Chamber don’t like Northern Ireland even existing, the fact  remains, we have 100 years of shared history.”

Councillor Erskine’s proposal to illuminate the civic buildings  was put to members, which was defeated 15 to 12, with one abstention.