Following revelations on what led to a council proposal against the extradition of Liam Campbell and the commentary among those involved in the aftermath, a victims campaigner is to report what occurred to the Local Government Commissioner.

Campbell was found civilly liable for the Omagh bomb in 1998, which claimed the lives of 29 people including a woman pregnant with twins, and injured 220 others.

Claire Monteith’s brother Alan Radford was among the dead, and she continues to campaign for justice. After careful consideration, she has decided further action is required, given the content of the proposal, the manner in which it was dealt with in the chamber and the fall-out it caused.

After a 12 year legal battle, the High Court in Dublin ordered Campbell’s extradition to Lithuania where a European Arrest Warrant was issued in 2016.

This states he allegedly organised the smuggling of weapons in support of “terrorist grouping” the Real IRA between 2006 and 2007.

The order is due to be activated on 13 July when Campbell is to appear at court in person.

Last week a proposal was rapidly put through Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Policy and Resources Committee meeting.

Chaired by Councillor Stephen McCann, who permitted the last minute notice of the proposal, he refused to allow open debate. When some members tried, he moved into confidential business – supported by party colleagues - ordering the recording to be stopped.

Independent Councillor Bernice Swift sought council oppose Campbell’s extradition under human rights.

She said: “He is an Irish citizen and we all know the track record of the Lithuanian prison regime. Previous High Courts have contended that judgement is a breach of his human rights. We wouldn’t want to see anyone from this country being treated in such inhumane conditions. As an elected representative, I wish to protect the fundamental human and civil rights of anybody against abuses. I ask for support to stop that extradition and (council) write to the departments on behalf of Liam and his family.”

A vote came in 23 in favour, 14 against and one abstention, with the matter going forward to full council for ratification.

Debate was hastily shut down with councillors seeking to voice dissent silenced, one of whom was reduced to tears.

The proposal caused uproar, not only in how it was dealt with in the chamber but also the voting pattern, which included, Sinn Fein, SDLP and several independents.

Within hours, distraught relatives of Omagh bomb victims, who learned the news on social media, hit back.

SDLP leader Colm Eastwood issued an immediately apology and party councillors followed suit expressing their regret.

Sinn Fein later released a statement claiming discussion was merited as the matter involved human rights, but ensured concerns of the Omagh bomb victims would be reflected in debate.

This countered for little as Claire listened and re-listened to the council discussion, noting how it was handled then considering the flurry of social media posts gloating over the result.

“I’ve taken time to deliberate and make sure I haven’t misheard or misinterpreted commentary. I wasn’t going to be accused of a knee-jerk, spur-of-the-moment decision – a tactic deployed by others in this intentionally upsetting matter.

“Having studied the Nolan Principles of Public Life, I am reporting councillor Swift as proposer and Councillor McCann, as committee chair, to the Local Government Commissioner.

“It is my view, they are in breach, particularly the principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability and openness.

“Holders of public offices should act solely in terms of public interest. They must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends, and must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

“They must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias, and are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions,  and accordingly must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.”

Claire concluded: “This is not going to be simply swept under the carpet or conveniently hidden away. Omagh victims, like all innocents and those left behind toiling with heartache and injustice, are entitled to respect. It’s time more people – particularly those involved in this deeply insensitive matter – realised that, and if they care so much about human rights, perhaps they’d take time to fight for ours.”