There were angry exchanges during a “shambolic” council  meeting in which the Fermanagh and Omagh District vice-Chair Councillor Chris McCaffrey ejected a member and refused to permit him back in.

While one party colleague commended this, an independent member warned the vice-Chair would be remembered for: “Thwarting a democratic process.”

The meeting drew considerable criticism of the vice-Chair’s handling by consistently allowing his party colleagues to speak freely, but was less accommodating with others.

Councillor Emmet McAleer, Independent, spoke of the recent BBC Spotlight programme on the Dalradian Mining Company presence in the Sperrins.

He proposed council write to one of the experts who appeared in the programme, Stephen H Emmerman PhD, to establish if he would work with the council ahead on the pending Public Inquiry.

“His knowledge would be invaluable to us …and from what we’ve seen he’s the best man for the job,” said Councillor McAleer. “I know people who don’t agree will question the cost, even though they support providing security to the mining industry at public cost.”

The vice-Chair cautioned on assumptions but Councillor McAleer replied: “With respect, I’m the first non-Sinn Fein member to speak in this meeting. Their votes are on record. Your party needs to reflect.”

Chief Executive Alison McCullagh said correspondence could be sent but on a “without prejudice” basis.

Differing views

Ulster Unionist Councillor Robert Irvine said a second expert in the programme held differing views, although appeared to be unaware of his name.

He commented: “The expert highlighted by Councillor McAleer took a particular stance. If this council seeks expert advice, it should be balanced. I propose we contact the other expert who seemed to give reasonable advice as well.”

Seconding Councillor McAleer’s proposal Councillor Bernice Swift, Independent began her remarks by stating: “It would be nice to have something without prejudice in this meeting.”

She rebuked the vice-Chair for smirking because: “It’s not funny. It’s been North Korea-style and I’m not impressed.”

While acknowledging the suggestion of the second expert, she felt his level of expertise was: “Somewhat discoloured.”

At this point, Councillor Donal O’Cofaigh, Independent who had dialled into the meeting having been caught up in a serious traffic accident while driving to the chamber, indicated to speak, but despite repeated attempts, during which his name appeared on screen, the vice-Chair apparently missed this.

Councillor O’Cofaigh’s situation, which caused him to be excluded from voting, had already been brought to the vice-Chair’s attention who remarked: “There’s nothing I can do about that in the Townhall.”

Meanwhile Councillor Victor Warrington Ulster Unionist told members he hadn’t watched the programme as: “We know programmes like Spotlight – and I have experience in my own area – turn out to be inaccurate and cause problems for people.”

He continued: “For us to get some guy from America, the cost will be astronomical”, but nonetheless seconded Councillor Irvine’s proposal, for both experts, arguably doubling the cost.

Councillor McAleer’s proposal passed 14 votes to six.

When enquiries were raised around potential conflicts of interest with the second expert, the vice-Chair ruled: “We cannot deal with accusations.”

Councillor McAleer then said: “This is absolutely shambolic. Sinn Fein remained mute the last time and are now trying to claim the glory. What is going on with your party?”

The vice-Chair responded by ordering Councillor McAleer’s eviction from the meeting.

Councillor Irvine’s proposal then passed 18 votes to four.

When Councillor Swift enquired if Councillor McAleer could re-join the vice-Chair said: “He has been excluded due to continuous interruption to my chairmanship.”

Councillor Swift shot back: “That’s what you’ll be remembered for. You thwarted the democratic process of a man elected by the people of his area.”

When two non-Sinn Fein members tried to voice concerns, the vice-Chair declared the meeting closed, then proceeded to allow a party colleague to speak.

Councillor Stephen McCann commended the handling of the meeting adding “well done” on evicting Councillor McAleer.

It is understood a number of complaints have been made in respect of the vice-Chair’s conduct.