Fianna Fail accused of a ''grab all'' situation at Municipal District meeting
Cllr Neilf Feighery reminded members that he had received the largest endorsement from the electorate
Fine Gael Councillor Neil Feighery accused Fianna Fail councillors of ''a bit of a grab all situation'' in relation to the divvying out of positions for membership on various committees, at last Thursday's meeting of Tullamore Municipal District.
This was the members first meeting since the local elections. Councillor Feighery's comments came about when five positions needed to be filled on a sub-committee which meets prior to the main monthly meeting in order to discuss community grants. Cllr Feighery was a prior member of the sub-committee.
Fianna Fail members who dominate the Municipal District had already hoovered up most of the positions on various committees and boards such as Esker Arts, Team Tullamore, Chandler City Committee, and Tullamore Sports Link.
''As a person who secured the biggest endorsement in the local elections recently at 1,962 votes. To come into this chamber and see things unfold in such a manner is very undignified,'' said Cllr Feighery.
'' I believe that based on my competency on the last committee I would appeal to the members here present to allow me to stay on that committee.''
Newly elected Cathaoirleach, Cllr Frank Moran said, ''you are entitled to your opinion but we have three nominations, I don't have any further nominations.''
Sinn Fein's Councillor Aoife Masterson then nominated Cllr Feighery who seconded himself. Then Councillor Tony McCormack proceeded to nominate Councillor Sean O'Brien, seconded by Councillor Declan Harvey.
Cllr Feighery said that in Birr and Edenderry there is no sub-committee and they agree in committee beforehand. ''Depite the proposals just let everyone through. It would be more democratic considering what is being proposed at the moment. It's the fairest method of assessment,'' he said.
Cllr Moran, once again said ''you are entitled to your opinion, but as I have said previously I would be happy enough with the five people that have been proposed and seconded to go on a sub-committee which we have always had.''
In the end it was agreed that the new members on the sub-committee will be Councillors Masterson, Harvey and O'Brien with Cathaoirleach Cllr Moran and Cllr Feighery.