FIANNA Fail tonight warned it will make the work of Donegal County Council “unworkable” by boycotting meetings where their councillors votes are needed to pass policy.
Fianna Fail councillor Ciaran Brogan accused the other parties of being “opportunist” by excluding members of his party from senior positions in the council.
In a speech to the chamber he said that Cllr McBrearty’s election as Mayor was wrong.
“Some 32 per cent of the electorate has been excluded here today,” he claimed.
He then called on Cllr McBrearty to publicly apologise for public outbursts in the chamber in the past.
The new Mayor sat stoney-faced in the chamber as Cllr Brogan launched an attack on him. The atmosphere was tense throughout. A member of the public said “sit down” as Cllr Brogan spoke.
Fine Gael’s Cllr Barry O’Neill however hit out at Cllr Brogan’s comments.
He described Cllr McBrearty as “honest, decent and truthful.”
“There were things said today which were totally out of place.” he said, hitting out at Fianna Fail.
Sinn Fein councillor Mick Quinn also hit out at the complaints, pointing out that it was Labour’s turn for the top positions.
“This is what power-sharing is all about,” he said, pointing out that independents would take the top posts next year.
Speaking in the chamber, Labour Senator Jimmy Harte said: “This is an historic day for the Labour Party. In the context of the development of the party it is important.
“I want to congratulate Cllr McBrearty who is a dedicated and hard-working councillor. He will represent all the people of Co Donegal very well.
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