A group on Tory Island has hit out at the voting process used to decide whether or not to accept recommendations on the future of the island’s ferry service.
An independent report carried out by former TG4 boss Pol Gallchoir recommended a number of suggestions including the provision of a smaller yet quicker ferry for the island.
This is due to come into service with the larger Queen of Aran ferry service which is due to begin its schedule on April 1st.
Islanders held a meeting to discuss the proposals on Friday night last and voted on the issues on Saturday.
However, a group called ‘Ag Cuidiú le Toraí’ has hit out at the voting times and what it called the “farcical manner’ of the vote.
A spokesman said “The greater community of Tory Island are upset and aggrieved at the unprofessional and farcical manner in which the voting of a critical matter for the Island took place yesterday.
“It was blatantly obvious in the way the entire process was conducted from the lack of communication announcing the voting to the manner in which people were eligible to vote.
“There was no clear communication and rules were being made up and changed throughout the two hour period of voting, which led to increased frustration as people turned up to vote. It was up to the discretion of the CC members who was eligible to vote with no record of a register of voting.
Tory Island
“The atmosphere was tense and sometimes felt threatening as people were being shouted at to vote yes when information was being withheld to accurately make a vote. This led to many voters leaving the centre in tears.”
The spokesperson added that they will continue to fight for their rights as EU citizens.
“We will continue to fight for a better transport service for our community. We will continue to request the paperwork from the tender process.
“We will continue to fight for our community and ensure the population continues to thrive and not let the past 6 mths dictate our future.”
Stunning Tory Island steeped in sun.
