By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council monthly meeting
The monthly meeting is centre stage for Wexford County Council, but today’s (Monday) renewal at County Hall, Wexford, exploded into a tense verbal battle between the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District when Cllr Pip Breen, the current district chair raised a matter that “reflected badly on the members of Gorey Municipal District.
Cllr Breen told the meeting that “we had our meeting on the 26th of March and the next morning numerous letters went into the Kilmuckridge district telling people what they received on headed note paper by the Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin and it was totally erroneous and misleading, telling people they got money they had requested, not what they were granted.
Cllr Breen continued; “That fact that it only went out in the (Kilmuckridge) distrct – it didn’t go to Gorey – I’m deeply disappointed at what has happened. I have spoken to my two colleagues in the Kilmuckridge district and they have all got complaints from the people who were affected by this. I think an explanation is needed! Fionntán Ó Súilleabhaáin has been a councillor for 10 years, he should have known better than to send out letters that are totally erroneous.”
Cllr Mary Farrell concurred with Cllr Breen and stated that numerous groups were informed they had received huge amounts of money. “They were thrilled and looking forward to spending the money and suddenly it wasn’t there,” said Cllr Farrell, who was supported by Cllr Oliver Walsh who was disappointed that “what should have been a good news story for Kilmuckridge district was turned into a bad news story.”
Cllr Ó Súilleabhain, who is recovering from the flu and was speaking via zoom, gave a detailed explanation saying he did not sign as “Leas-Cathaoirleach”, had a busy day, was working on two separate Excel spread sheets on a screen and made a genuine mistake. Many people in this room make mistakes.”
He continued; “I apologised immediately to the five groups concerned and a letter of apology has been sent out and I apologise here again today” he also added that he had received insulting phone calls.
But the matter didn’t end there. Cllr Breen, supported by Cllr Farrell disputed that five groups were contacted and put the number at 20. “You have broken a serious code of ethics,” stated Cllr Breen.
Cllr Farrell said it was disingenuous and point scoring to say that there was an election coming up, but suggested that maybe the councillor was being “fearful of his opponents.”
Cllr Willie Kavanagh stated that he had received phone calls from about ten organisations and added; “I think this is a serious breach of protocol that should be reported to SIPO for investigation.”
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr John Fleming concluded that “this was a good story that turned into a bad story. I am very disappointed.”
“I have already apologised three times,” added Cllr Ó Súilleabhain.
WexfordLocal.com 