Offaly Fianna Fail councillor calls Taoiseach a 'dictator' and hits out at 'high stoolers'

Offaly County Councillor Frank Moran has labelled Taoiseach Micheál Martin a "dictator" and hit out at his own critics referring to them as "high stoolers" in a scathing social media post. 

The Fianna Fáil councillor made the remarks in a Facebook post on Tuesday night, October 28.

The Clara politician makes reference to the presidential candidate debacle within the party stating: "I’m a FF Cllr, however not one bit happy with the way our leader (Dictator) led the presidential campaign, however there are unelected members of the party that need to go and respect the grassroots".

This was in reference to the nomination of Jim Gavin by Fianna Fáil and Micheál Martin at the expense of other potential candidates, only for the former Dublin football manager to pull out following revelations about his past, leaving the party without a candidate on polling day. 

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One Facebook user questioned Cllr Moran's own part in the presidential failure writing: "Easy put your name on a ballot paper when you have the FF machine behind you. Why did ye block independent candidates from running as president. Run as a independent".

However, the Offaly councillor replied, "If you look at the record. I was the only FF Cllr that didn’t" indicating his displeasure with the decision making within the party.

Moran, who is the Cathaoirleach of the Tullamore Municipal District, called out his critics saying: "Contrary to many posts lately and that of others, it suggests that my representation is not good enough".

He continues: "I was elected overwhelmingly at last election, have done the work and continue to do so. I call to many that no one will know why I call (but to help)". 

The Fianna Fail councillor encouraged the naysayers to try make their own impact rather than just complaining as he remarked: "The onlookers, hurlers, high stoolers, get up off your arse, put your name forward and do better and represent the people. I’d support your efforts". 

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The majority of Facebook users who commented underneath the post defended Moran's work within the local community with one saying: "Here to say anytime I looked for your help, you were spot on so thanks Frank". 

"Anytime I needed to see you, you always called to my home and have been there for me when I needed help, keep on going Frank" said another user. 

A final Facebook comment supported Moran and echoed his statements on the recent election citing: "You are a brilliant councillor and serve your constituency well but totally agree with you regarding the Presidential Election, more people should have been allowed to go forward". 

The post comes after the continued fallout from the major political parties in Ireland following the presidential election which saw independent Catherine Connolly win at a canter to to be elected the country's 10th president.