Newly elected Fine Gael Councillor Ollie Gannon was criticised by Fianna Fáil Cllr Brendan Mulroy for a “flawed proposal” which Cllr Gannon recommended during last Thursday’s meeting of the Westport Town Council.
A proposal put forward by Cllr Gannon said that no member apart from the Cathaoirleach should attend conferences. Cllr Brendan Mulroy was outraged and said to Cllr Gannon that the proposal “benefits yourself” as Cllr Gannon would be the Cathaoirleach at some stage during the council’s term.
Cllr Mulroy’s party colleague, Cllr Margaret Adams, said that she would not propose the motion as attending “educational tours” were in the best interest of the people they represent.
Another new Fine Gaeler on the authority, Cllr Michael McLaughlin said that members should decide if they want to attend conferences, and if not, then the money would go towards councillors’ recommendations for the town.
Cathaoirleach Myles Staunton said that he was looking at ways to cut back expenses on conferences but not to cancel them.
Cllr Gannon said that he would not attend any conference during his lifetime on the council, even when he is Cathaoirleach, however, he would attend functions that the Cathaoirleach is invited to as part of the “civic duty” which needs to be adhered to while being in the chair.
Cllr Staunton said that this proposal would be further discussed at September’s meeting.
