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By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

An unprecedented challenge on Cllr Joe Sullivan’s behaviour in office as current Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council may have cast the local political system into pending chaos following a five-hour marathon monthly meeting in the Council Chamber, County Hall, Wexford, this afternoon.

The criticism first emerged during the Presidental Election when the Fianna Fáil elected Cathaoirleach allowed candidates to address a meeting of Wexford County Council while both Coalition parties Fianna Fail and Fine Gael imposed a party whip on members!

The straw that broke the camel’s back occurred at the April meeting when about 20 fuel protesters took over the public gallery following an invitation from Cllr Codd where it is alleged that some members received threats at the meeting and on social media and “were afraid of their lives” and it is claimed that the Cathaoirleach did not enough to steady the ship!

Cllr Barron pointed out that this Council’s “first duty is to represent fairly and without fear or favour all the people of County Wexford” and “to be conscious of our democratic values long cherished and defended in this Chamber.”

Cllr Barron continued that this Council “resolves to ensure that all debates in this Council will be conducted with respect for all elected members and for all views expressed.”

The motion added; “That this Council acknowledges that these standards have not always upheld in recent times and calls on the Cathaoirleach, and all members and officials to commit to restoring the highest standards of democratic debate and freedom of expression for every member.”

Cllr Barron continued; “My biggest worry and I fear that we are heading down a very dangerous path whereby our code of conduct is being ignored, standing orders abandoned and through the actions of some our democratic values are being eroded.

“When I look at those accountable for our meetings recently standing orders dictate that under Section 39 unfortunately it is the Cathaoirleach who is responsible for the control of meetings.

“In my opinion the March meeting should have been adjourned when I was talking about ‘consent’. In April again, in my opinion, and no doubt shared by others was an absolute fiasco. It was two hours before we got to do our business. Standing orders were not followed at all in that meeting and I question why they were disregarded.

“With one meeting left in this term, Cathaoirleach I need to ask you to consider your role as chair over the last few meetings?

I am calling on you (Cllr Sullivan) to reflect upon your position as Chair,” demanded Cllr Barron.

At this point Cllr Sullivan offered all members still in the Chamber an opportunity to have their say.

Cllr Tom Forde reflected on times before Cllr Sullivan’s position in the chair when he was “not allowed to speak on his own motion.”

Cllr Pat Bardon said; “Cllr Sullivan is not blinded by party lines” and he asked Cllr Barron to withdraw the motion.

Cllr Michael Sheehan, as did Cllr Forde, referred to acoustic difficulties in the chamber. Cllr Nicky Boland felt that “Cllr Sullivan is a fair chair” and Cllr Marty Murphy disagreed with the motion. “Disagreement doesn’t mean disrespectful in politics,” he said.

Cllr Jim Codd admitted to inviting protesters into the public gallery and he drew attention to other members discomfort with this in the presence of the press. Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien stated; “respect in the workplace is the priority here.”

Cllr Lisa McDonald said she was “very shocked at the last two meetings” she had never seen anything like it before. People were intimidated in the gallery. She also noted that “Standing orders were not adhered to; this is not kindergarten training for Dáil Éireann,” she added.

There was an angry exchange between Cllr Donal Kenny and the Cathaoirleach. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy was concerned about the acoustics in the chamber and suggested (maybe) sealing off the press/public gallery?

Cllr Leonard Kelly mentioned female members feeling unsafe in the Chamber and he backed more female representation.

There were also brief contributions from Cllrs Pip Breen, Pat Kehoe and Anthony Donohoe,  

The motion proposed by Cllr Barron and seconded by Cllr Catherine ‘Biddy’ Walsh was passed by 20 votes to three. However, it must be recorded that the motion did not ask for the Cathaoirleach to step down.

Cllr Sullivan took it all in his stride and is looking forward to chairing his final County Council meeting next month and he pointed out a few things to clarify.

He disagreed with Cllr McDonald’s call to go ‘in committee’ saying there was no seconder for the call! And he acknowledged honouring St. Martin’s GAA County hurling champions at Civic Reception in County Hall following a request from Cllr McDonald and he was delighted to oblige. “I won’t be considering my position (as Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council) and I will see you all at the next County Council meeting in June,” concluded Cllr Sullivan.