FODC divided by SF motion regarding Patsy Kelly murder

by Gráinne Connolly

Sinn Féin proposed a motion at last weeks Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) meeting, calling for more information regarding the death of Trillick councillor Patsy Kelly back in 1974. 

The family of Patsy Kelly has recently met with the Police Ombudsman to discuss the father of five's murder, however unfortunately they did not receive any more official information as to who may have killed Patsy. 

This motion led to a fresh debate between local Councillors, causing a divide in their views and the decision making. 

Despite having an angry response from Unionist Councillors, the motion eventually passed 20-14. 

Councillor Glen Campbell introduced the motion, and began by explaining the impact Patsy's death had on his local community and his family;

"Patsy was 33 years of age, married to Theresa and was the father of five children. 

"He was sadly never to hold his fifth child, at the time of his death Theresa was expecting that child who was also called Patrick.

"The murder of Patsy Kelly had a profound effect on the people of Trillick and the surrounding area."

The Sinn féin councillor went on to make reference to the family and their "failure" by the state, as well as potential links between the gang that abducted and killed Patsy and the UVF's Glenanne Gang.

While fellow Sinn Féin Councillor Frankie Donnelly second the motion, UUP Councillor Robert Irvine responded by saying the motion was "deepy flawed" and "misleading". 

He also accuses Sinn Féin of "preverse hypocrisy": 

Concluding his views on the motion, the UUP councillor proposed an "amendment" to the motion. 

He said he would like the council to "welcome investigations by authorities into all killings", rather than a motion to investigate Patsy Kelly's murder.

However, Council Chairman Stephen McCann disagreed with this interpretation as an amendment, and rather seen it as introducing a new motion and would not allow it. 

In response, Councillor Irvine said "I will contend that you are going against our Standing Orders." 

The Chairman's decision caused further debate and was questioned by DUP Councillor Errol Thompson who also criticised Sinn Féin's motion and stated "it is about Sinn Féin's desire to rewrite the history of what happened in Northern Ireland." 

Contributions were made by other members of the FODC in the chamber, including recent Fianna Fail candidate Sorcha McAnespy who found it "a very emotive issue". 

The Councillor who's family is also from Trillick showed support for the motion and said "The Kelly family has always behaved with dignity and respect and all they want is the truth and justice to prevail. 

"All they want is to find out what happened to their daddy."

After more controversial debates and contributions, the motion was eventually carried 20-14 with nationalist and independent councillors backing it and unionists opposing it.