Omagh bomb victim Michael Gallagher denied chance to address councillors over extradition motion

Mr Gallagher had been invited to address the meeting by the DUP councillor Graham Warke, before a motion from the independent republican councillor Gary Donnelly opposing Campbell’s extradition to Lithuania on human rights grounds was discussed.

Mr Warke, who travelled to Mr Gallagher’s home for the virtual council meeting, proposed the suspension of standing orders to allow Mr Gallagher a chance to speak directly to the councillors.

Despite the proposal gaining majority support, it failed to reach the 80% threshold required for a suspension of standing orders.

Afterwards, Mr Warke told the News Letter: “I am disappointed, yes, that Michael Gallagher was not given the opportunity to speak to councillors directly.

“But the motion opposing the extradition of Liam Campbell failed and that is the main thing.”

Meanwhile, another Omagh bombing victim has challenged those responsible for an earlier motion at Fermanagh and Omagh council to speak to her directly.

Claire Monteith, whose brother Alan Radford was one of those killed in the attack, said: “This had no place in the council chamber and was a deeply and deliberately insensitive move. I have challenged those determined to twist the knife, who claim to champion human rights to face me, but none have. That speaks volumes.” She added: “It was brutally insensitive. The whole issue was dressed in human rights which made it even harder to stomach.”