While the Galway County Council is flying the flag of Ukraine in solidarity with the besieged nation, one councillor has accused the local authority of failing to take an even stronger stance.
On Monday, the elected members of the Galway County Council voted to fly the Ukrainian flag, but voted against a call for the expulsion of the Russian Ambassador to Ireland.
Independent councillor James Charity proposed that the council condemn the actions of Russia in the Ukraine; stand in solidarity with all Ukrainian citizens living in County Galway; and raise the Ukrainian flag outside County Buildings.
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This motion was passed unanimously. However, Cllr Charity’s second motion, a call on the Government to “immediately expel the Russian Ambassador and diplomatic staff from the State”, was defeated by nine votes to eight, with the remainder of the 39 member council present, abstaining.
Cllr Charity [pictured below] described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and its military actions there as “reprehensible”, and said Russia’s instigation of “an unprovoked and unjustified war must be condemned in the strongest possible manner”.
While he welcomed the vote for County Buildings to fly the Ukrainian flag, he said that action alone “did not go far enough”, and that the call to demand the Russian Ambassador’s expulsion should have been supported.
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“It is disappointing that Fianna Fail and Green opposition defeated the Council, sending a stronger message to Government, especially given 35 Fianna Fail TDs and Senators at national level have gone on the record similarly calling for such expulsion.
“The human cost is immeasurable and many of the Ukrainian community in Galway are legitimately concerned about the welfare of families still in the country,” he said. “In solidarity with all Ukrainian citizens living in our County, we should have had no hesitation sending the strongest possible message
Monday evening also saw the Galway City Council unanimously pass a motion, “in solidarity with Ukraine and all Ukrainian people”, for City Hall to fly the Ukrainian flag until there is a ceasefire.
