The centre, managed by the Fermanagh University Partnership Board, has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks as the doors remain closed. However, it is now claimed that the centre, which would provide a tremendous asset to the whole county, could be ready to open in another month.

    While nobody is confirming it, one of the problems would appear to be funding. The centre received millions in public money from various sources, but nailing down running costs has clearly proved to be a problem. One area of concern apparently is the possibility of a massive VAT bill; with one figure of £1/2 million being bandied about.

    The centre could not pay that, so it could mean that anyone wishing to use the building would have to pay, including VAT.

    Overall, nobody is denying that there are major revenue problems.

    For that reason, if Bill Clinton is enticed back, it is hoped that this time there will be a more tangible benefit.

    His visit last May was highly successful in lifting the spirits of the town. In an exclusive interview with Impartial Reporter journalist, Sarah Saunderson last year, Mr Clinton did say.:”I hope that in the years ahead, I will be personally involved in the work of this centre because it is a lot of what I will be doing too. I’ll have a foundation back home and we can do some things together. So, who knows, you might have to put up with me coming back again.”

    There are, apparently, moves to invite Mr. Clinton to Omagh, where a new Trauma Centre is being built. Bill and Hillary Clinton visited Omagh when he was still in office and were extremely moved by the scenes there in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb.

    If he comes to Omagh, it would seem almost certain that efforts to bring him to Enniskillen will also be successful. He clearly enjoyed himself here, and was reported to be “honoured” that the building was named after him.

    However, in the Autumn of last year, the centre appeared to go through something of an identity crisis. Some official sources stopped referring to it as The William Clinton Peace Centre and reverted to using the name “Higher Bridges Centre.”

    However, it is being denied that there was anything of significance in this.

    What cannot be in dispute, however, is that the centre opening is away behind schedule. Last May when Clinton was here, it was thought it would be ready by September. It was used on a couple of occasions before Christmas, but the lights have been off for a few months now.

    The project manager, Mr Barney Devine left at the end of last year when his contract expired.

    This week, the chairman of the Fermanagh University Partnership Board, Mr. Gerry Burns did not want to be drawn on a number of issues that may appear controversial.

    He said: “Let us concentrate on the good side of this; what is being planned there is for the good of the whole community.

    “There is still significant interest in the building and I am confident that when we have met all the requirements this will be a tremendous asset for Fermanagh,” said Mr. Burns.

    Mr. Burns pointed out that the Youth Hostel Association has committed to the two floors housing a youth hostel, which according to Mr. Burns, “will hold its own against any such provision in Europe.”

    Mr Burns also sees the two main uses as:

    *access to third level education; and

    *economic development.

    Negotiations are current on both, he said.

    Mr Burns also pointed out that the simple fact was that the building was not completed. Some matters had to be passed by Building Control and the Fire Authority, and the catering situation was currently being resolved.