THE suggestion of possibly selling Enniskillen’s Mace caused anger at the last meeting of Fermanagh District Council on Tuesday night.

The Mace, which was made in 1707 by a Dublin gold and silversmith was removed from Fermanagh District Council’s civic suite in 1992 after it was valued on the Antiques Roadshow.

It was purchased using funds which were awarded and donated to the town of Enniskillen after the ‘Great Fire’ which destroyed the town in 1703 and is now held in a bank.

During a recent Policy and Resources Committee meeting, Acting Chief Executive Robert Gibson had informed councillors that there was an opportunity, with the closure of Fermanagh District Council, for some of the Council’s symbols to be displayed in the Townhall.

It was also proposed that the Mace be displayed in Fermanagh County Museum. Sinn Fein Councillors Ruth Lynch, Stephen Huggett, Thomas Maguire, Barry Doherty, Sheamus Greene and Brian McCaffrey asked to be recorded as dissenting from the proposal. The Council recommended that it display the Mace in a secured cabinet in the Fermanagh County Museum and all other relevant items in the Townhall.

But on Tuesday night’s Council meeting, Sinn Fein’s Brian McCaffrey proposed referring the matter to the next meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, suggesting that the item should be valued with a view to possibly selling it.

The Mace had been used to denote the authority of the Mayor of Enniskillen but has no ceremonial role for the district council which has neither city nor borough status.

“The idea of selling the Mace is unbelievable,” said the DUP’s Keith Elliott.

“I agree with Councillor McCaffrey,” said Sheamus Greene. “It has been locked in a bank vault so obviously it’s not really that much of interest to the people of Enniskillen. It baffles me how we can make this recommendation without knowing who owns it.” Ulster Unionist Councillor Raymond Farrell said: “It’s absurd that our history is being obliterated. Anything of historical interest should be retained.” Councillor Alex Baird, also of the UUP, said: “It is unfortunate that the last night of the Council there is a sour tone and people want to sell the family jewels. The Mace is in the possession of this Council and that’s where it should remain.” SDLP Councillor Frank Britton said: “I’ve never seen the Mace, I am sure it’s a fine emblem. From what I understand it is of historical value and for that reason I would like to see it retained.” Acting Chief Executive Robert Gibson told the meeting: “There are two opposing motions; one agreed in committee and one proposed by Councillor McCaffrey.” Councillor McCaffrey’s recommendation to refer the matter to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council fell and as previously agreed the Mace will be displayed at Fermanagh County Museum.