Mid Ulster TUV submitted the complaint below to the Local Government Ombudsman over the weekend:
Dear Commissioner,
I write to lodge a formal complaint regarding the conduct of Councillor Eugene McConnell, Chairman of Mid Ulster District Council.
I contend that Councillor McConnell breached multiple requirements of the Code of Conduct for Councillors through (i) his attendance at an Easter Republican event commemorating notorious IRA terrorist Jim Lynagh, and (ii) his subsequent use of the chair at a council meeting to suppress legitimate debate and criticism of his conduct.
1. Attendance at an event honouring Jim Lynagh
On Easter Sunday, Councillor McConnell attended an event in Carrickmore, during which he was photographed standing beside a banner commemorating Jim Lynagh.
Photographic evidence is available at the following link: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/dup-anger-as-sinn-fein-council-chair-joins-party-leader-in-honouring-notorious-ira-man-jim-lynagh/a1626780166.html. A copy can be supplied if required.
Jim Lynagh was a senior IRA terrorist linked to:
• The murders of Sir Norman Stronge (Stormont Speaker) and his son James Stronge;
• The murders of RUC Reservist William James Clements and Constable George Gilliland;
• The attempted bombing and armed assault on Loughgall RUC station, during which he was killed.
Given this record, Councillor McConnell’s attendance at, and active participation in, a commemoration of Lynagh was wholly incompatible with his duty to act in the public interest, promote good community relations, and uphold respect for all sections of the community.
2. Conduct in the Council Chamber
When the matter of his attendance was raised in the Council Chamber, Councillor McConnell used his position as Chairman to shut down discussion.
I contend that by doing so he:
• Acted in a situation of direct conflict of interest;
• Failed to exercise objectivity or accountability;
• Abused the authority of his role to suppress legitimate criticism.
3. Breaches of the Code of Conduct
I respectfully submit that Councillor McConnell’s conduct breached the following provisions of the Northern Ireland Local Government Code of Conduct for Councillors:
• 3.3 Public Duty: Failed to act in the interests of the community as a whole.
• 3.3 Objectivity: Failed to exercise objective judgement, particularly when presiding over discussion relating to his own actions.
• 3.3 Accountability: Avoided proper accountability for his conduct by preventing debate.
• 3.3 Leadership: Damaged public trust and confidence in his office and in Mid Ulster District Council.
• 3.3 Equality: Failed to show respect for all sections of the community, especially victims of IRA terrorism and those with different political views.
• 3.3 Promoting Good Relations: His actions were not conducive to fostering respect, equality, and trust.
Further, I request that the Commissioner formally investigate breaches of the following Rules of General Conduct:
4.1(b), 4.2, 4.5, 4.8, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, and 4.14.
4. Conclusion
In view of the seriousness of the issues raised, I respectfully request that this complaint be fully investigated and that appropriate action be taken if breaches of the Code are found.
Yours faithfully,
Glenn Moore
Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV)