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Labour accuse Fine Gael of 'favouritism'
LABOUR councillor Gerry McLoughlin has accused Fine Gael of adopting a "domineering attitude" and "favouritism" in council chambers, while other parties aren't being given a "fair chance" to speak at meetings.
During a two and a half hour council meeting on transport on Monday night, Labour Cllr Orla McLoughlin and chairman of the meeting, Fine Gael Cllr Ger Fahy, clashed again, following a confrontation at last week's meeting.
Following the meeting, Cllr McLoughlin said both he and his daughter "feel aggrieved" by Fine Gael's attitude to other members.
Orla McLoughlin had requested a notice of motion be amended, in reference to traffic calming measures outside Our Lady Queen of Peace school in Janesboro. However, Cllr Fahy, cautioned against adding to the motion.
Her father maintained that she hadn't been allowed to clarify a point, but Cllr Fahy said Cllr McLoughlin spoke on at least four occasions and "more than all of us put together."
"Ger Fahy refused to leave her speak. He said 'Come on, I want to get out of it (the meeting]," claimed Cllr McLoughlin.
He added that Cllr Pat Kennedy was allowed to speak after his daughter.
"I am appalled at the way Fine Gael chair 90 per cent of the council meetings and strategic planning committees. You're coming up against a stone wall all the time. There is a lack of fair play with Fine Gael...they show favouritism towards their own," said Cllr McLoughlin.
But Cllr Fahy - one of eight city councillors who are members of Fine Gael - maintains that the issue in great detail by all councillors. "I never told her to shut up. I said hold on please," he said.
He said claims of favouritism is "totally over the top."
"I am an impartial chairperson, as are the rest of the SPC (strategic planning committees) chairpersons. Every councillor is allowed to make a contribution without any restrictions. It's a question of having mutual respect," said Cllr Fahy.
Ms McLoughlin said she wished to put in the amendment regarding car parking spaces at the request of the principal.
But Cllr Fahy, who lives in the area, disagreed with her reasoning, stating there would be a reduction in green space.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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