The fall-out from the contentious issue of the extradition of Liam Campbell continues, with the original proposer who brought the issue before a committee, telling those who backtracked in their support at the full council meeting that they should “hang their heads in shame”.

The matter failed to be ratified and was instead sent back to committee for further discussion, while an Ulster Unionist motion calling on the extradition to be speeded up, passed comfortably. Independent Councillor Bernice Swift slammed the motion, branding it “disgraceful and an insult to all victims”.

She said with support from SDLP and others, it: “Displayed a complete and blatant disregard for all victims of the Troubles, particularly those of the Omagh bomb families, and leans towards a dangerous precedent.

“This motion was politically motivated, statements in the run up to the meeting from Unionist Councillors were nothing short of despicable. Victims deserve much better than what I witnessed during discussion which gave scant regard for the complex needs of victims of the Omagh bomb.”

Councillor Swift continued “My amendment was shamefully rejected by the UUP chairman in comparison to the UUP motion headed ‘support for Omagh bomb victims’, but it was clear to be seen who is actually concerned about the victims and the support they need. For the motion to be described as in support, is a complete insult and further shows those politicians haven’t properly come to terms with effectively dealing with and addressing the legacy of the past for all victims and survivors.”

The amendment sought: “A collective solidarity call for a full, independent, public inquiry to serve families who continue to pursue their quest for truth and justice.”

It requested, Health Minister Robin Swann: “ensures the expeditious opening of the Regional Trauma Network to effectively deal with victims to support their pathway for healing of adverse psychological and mental health impact of the Troubles”.

Concluding Councillor Swift said: “My initial human rights proposal was clearly about elected representatives not willingly standing by with the facts presented on allowing an Irish citizen, Liam Campbell to be extradited to a country with such a disregard and proven track record for inhuman, gross human rights violations, torture and persecution. The truth of my proposal has been deliberately distorted into a political tool for Unionists who have behaved disgracefully in circumventing the facts.

“Those who have back-tracked due to political pressure while knowing all the facts should hang their heads in shame, they have set a dangerous precedent and have broken the declaration of human rights by their actions. Human rights are not optional, they are inalienable and should not be cherry picked. Plus, they are not a choice, support for any individual’s human rights like Liam Campbell does not deny anyone else their human rights,” said Councillor Swift, in a statement.