BY MICHAEL BRESLIN
The former Sinn Fein Assembly member for Fermanagh-South Tyrone, Gerry McHugh, who recently resigned from the Party over policy differences, has been 'moved', at Sinn Fein's behest from the Assembly's agriculture committee. He was the Party's spokesman on agriculture until that brief was taken over by Michelle Gildernew prior to her becoming Minister for DARD. His place on the agriculture committee has been given over to the West Tyrone Sinn Fein MLA, Pat Doherty.
But, Mr McHugh, speaking to the 'Herald', was philosophic at the move and, indeed, upbeat at the greater freedom he now enjoys in addressing the Assembly, and is looking forward to serving on the enterprise trade and investment committee.
"Having got that seat, the way I look at it is it would be their loss because I have a lifetime of experience in farming, and I will continue to work with farmers and with those in the rural areas, and I will continue to speak on their behalf in the Assembly.
"The only thing is, losing my agriculture seat, is there will be less scrutiny of the Minister (Ms Gildernew) because there are few on that committee with any sort of ability in agriculture outside of myself and Tom Elliott. I would have to say he is the only other one who is good enough".
But, given is release from Party constraints, Mr McHugh reckons he is in a strong position to ask questions of the Minister and of her Department. And, he is relishing serving on the DETI committee which, he believes, will give him the ideal platform to highlight the lack of investment in Fermanagh, in both jobs and services.
Had he any regrets about leaving Sinn Fein? - "No, I think it was a good move because as far as I was concerned, the DUP and the Unionists are running affairs up there. Sinn Fein don't have any real say and the question of an All-Ireland isn't being addressed at all".
Meanwhile, Councillor Bernice Swift, who was suspended from Sinn Fein three months ago for speaking out at the Party's stance on serving on the District Policing Partnerships, is still awaiting a determination on her future.
"I made contact with them in December because I felt an unreasonable amount of time had gone past not knowing anything and I have been assured that I will hear by the end of this month what their decision will be".
She reported that her suspension had not impacted on her work and that since October 23rd she had worked on difficult issues and had represented the Council at some high-powered seminars.
