Exclusive: MAYOR Frank McBrearty is to travel to New York for St Patrick’s Day after admitting that his opposition to his predecessors going to America was “a mistake.”
The Mayor, his Deputy, a councillor and the County Manager will all travel to the States next month as an official delegation; with taxpayers picking up the bill.
Cllr McBrearty had voted against previous trips but he told Donegal Daily that he now regretted that.
“We have had correspondence from several Donegal Associations who are keen that we are there in an official capacity,” said the Mayor, who praised councillors Cora Harvey and Noel McBride for their previous trips.
He had opposed a trip by Cllr Brendan Byrne in 2010.
“It was a mistake. I have learned over the past few months that it was a mistake because it is important, especially in the year of The Gathering, that Donegal gets its message across in the States,” he said.
Cllr McBrearty said the trip “isn’t a junket” adding: “The money spent on this trip is an investment and will help build relationships across the Atlantic, especially with American companies who are based here and providing jobs here.”
After a stormy day in the council chamber in what one councillor described as “the most bizarre I’ve ever seen” the Mayor said he hoped he could work with all parties going forward to show a united front for Donegal.
“We have to work together for the people and I sincerely hope that I can help unite the chamber in the months ahead for the benefit of all the people,” he added.
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