Independent Councillor Frank McBrearty has today defended the salary and allowance payments which he received for the period 2012/2013, during part of which time he was Mayor.
Cllr Frank McBrearty in his tenure as Mayor of Donegal.
The Raphoe based councillor made the remarks after the Irish Independent newspaper, today published a list of allowances and earnings which were received by a number of councillors.
Councillor McBrearty said that he views the article as being ‘unbalanced’ as it didn’t take into account the expenses earned by other sitting councillors who sit on different boards.
“There are a number of councillors who are in receipt of much higher earnings and payments than me – particularly councillors who sit on a number of boards, but also councillors whom are in receipt of undisclosed sums, such as VEC payments.”
“The office of mayor tends to see the expenses, and payments of councillors increase – the figure of €92,000 which the Irish Independent has quoted today is based on my salary as a councillor, as well as my salary as mayor.”
“I want to put on record that my earnings and remunerations were similar to those received by former Sinn Féin Cllr Cora Harvey during her tenure as mayor.”
“Not alone that, but I received over €20,000 less than Cllr Brendan Byrne for the period in which he served as mayor, and more than €8,000 less than my predecessor, Cllr Noel McBride when he held office.”
“It’s often the case that when a member of council takes on the role as mayor of the county, then naturally their expenses will increase; this is due largely to the demands of the office as well as the increased mobility and demands placed on the office holder.”
Speaking in his defence, as well as explaining the impact being mayor had on his expenses, Cllr McBrearty highlighted the great work and headway he made while he was Mayor of the county – something which he says he was both honoured and proud to experience.
“It’s no secret that I have probably been the most outspoken of any political figure in this country regarding this country’s culture of expenses and greed, which exists at all levels of government.
“In addition to this, I have also actively criticised the many Quangos which are currently in operation here, and have made numerous calls for them to be dismantled.”
“My year as mayor saw me visit every inch of this county and beyond; I was on call 24/7 and I feel that through my activities during this time, I managed to not only effectively represent the people of Donegal, but I also managed to both increase the profile and awareness of the office.”
“It’s important to note that I was the lowest paid councillor of Donegal County Council for the years 2009, 2010 and again in 2011 – I have little doubt that once this year draws to a close, I’ll probably be the lowest paid councillor again for the end of this year as well.”
