THE SDLP has defended the right of a Catholic priest to ban Sinn Féin from using a church hall in Co Tyrone over the party’s stance on abortion legislation.
It is understood that Fr Eugene O’Neill cancelled a booking for St Patrick’s Hall in Coalisland this week after being contacted by pro-life campaigners.
St Patrick’s Hall, which is close to the centre of the town, holds special significance for republicans.
On the morning of the Easter Rising in 1916 Irish Volunteers from various parts of the north gathered there to take part in the rebellion, although they later received a countermand to cancel operations.
Sinn Féin had organised a public meeting in the hall for Thursday night to provide an update on recent political developments.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, who represents the area and lives in the neighbouring parish of Clonoe, had been expected to attend.
In 2018 members of Sinn Féin voted to support making abortion services available, a move that prompted the resignation of some members across Ireland.
In an email to anti-abortion campaigners Fr O’Neill, who is originally from south Armagh, said he did not take the booking but once he became aware of it he contacted "Sinn Féin offices to cancel it immediately”.
He added: “In light of their recent behaviour regarding the abortion debate and due to their long-running policy on pro-life matters I would not entertain the use of church property for any such meeting.”
“Further, as a charity the parish is not legally permitted to use church property for any political activity whatsoever.”
Local SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn, who lives in Coalisland, defended the right of Fr O’Neill to cancel the event.
“The hall belongs to the parish and it’s up to the parish priest (to decide) who uses it and can’t,” he said.
“If they are taking a strong line on abortion, the Catholic church has the right to do it.”
A message posted on a Sinn Féin Coalisland/Clonoe Martyrs Facebook page said the meeting had been cancelled because Ms O’Neill was unable to attend.
“Apologies for the short notice, but the meeting tonight is cancelled,” it read.
“This is due to Michelle’s schedule as she is not able to attend.
“We will be arranging this meeting soon again.”
In a statement a spokesman later added: “Sinn Féin were due to have a local community public meeting but due to a diary clash the meeting has been rescheduled."
