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Unruly Limerick councillors face suspensions, mayor warns after tempers fray
COUNCILLORS may face a suspension of three months from council chambers if their "unruly" behaviour in meetings continues, the mayor has warned.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Kiely, said the behaviour of some councillors in last week's meeting was a "disgrace".
Labour Cllr Tom Shortt has also appealed for some order, commenting that the atmosphere often resembles "a pub at closing time" due to a "colossal amount of talk" between councillors.
Cllr Shortt has urged that councillors should learn to adopt "self discipline."
"Teachers in classrooms on a daily basis struggle to get order. As councillors we have to listen to each other," he said.
But he said he is disappointed at the "abysmal" conduct in council, where councillors engage in "side conversations, and quite loudly at times" while other matters are ongoing. He intends to raise this issue at a protocol meeting with the Mayor next week.
But the Mayor, who was in agreement with Cllr Shortt, should he should discuss this with his own party.
Labour's outspoken councillor Orla McLoughlin said there is fire coming out of her ears at times "because I'm listening to rimis", "waffle" and "blas statements".
During last week's full council meeting, she requested a one-to-one discussion with Fine Gael councillor Ger Fahy outside the chamber. "I'll take it outside, no problem," she said.
Speaking to the Limerick Leader after the meeting, Cllr Fahy said he never gets involved in personal confrontations and has respect for all 17 councillors, "who have the one aim in mind and that's the betterment of the city."
"She mentioned something about 'outside' alright, but I didn't take any notice of that. I just took it with a pinch of salt.
"She has a major contribution no doubt and I respect her views, whether I agree or not. We all come from different perspectives," he said.
However, he said he was concerned at the number of people who have approached him recently, remarking that Cllr McLoughlin threatened to throw him in the river during last Monday's meeting. Cllr McLoughlin denies she made that remark.
"I wouldn't be worried if she did throw me in the river because I'd have full confidence in my colleagues in the marine search and rescue," he said. Over 20 journalism students from the University of Limerick were also in attendance as part of their course to witness the proceedings.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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