Raphoe Councillor Frank McBrearty has been reported to the Standards In Public Office Commission over alleged bullying in his position as an elected representative.
Cllr McBrearty, who denies any wrongdoing, is accused of bullying his colleague Cllr Martin Harley.
Separately, Cllr McBrearty allegedly called Mica campaigner Michael Doherty a “f***ing wanker” in a text. Mr Doherty, PRO of the Mica Action Group, received the message from the councillor on the day of the new Mica scheme was announced.
Cllr McBrearty is demanding to see the details of all complaints made against him.
The Raphoe councillor has since apologised to Mr Doherty.
In an email seen by the Sunday Independent, Cllr Martin Harley claimed to be subjected to “bullying and abuse and abusive language” from Cllr McBrearty.
“I don’t believe my mental health can handle this any longer — or the mental health of other members and staff of this council,” Cllr Harley wrote.
The email was sent to senior council staff and to Cathaoirleach Jack Murray, who has promised to take the complaint seriously
Cllr McBrearty said he has written ”extensively” about the complaints process to the Chief Executive of Donegal County Council John McLaughlin.
Cllr McBrearty is also calling on Cllr Harley to clarify the accusations, and claimed he has not spoken to the Fine Gael councillor since June 2019.
“I have a right to defend myself against any false accusations made against me,” Cllr McBrearty said today.
In response to the SIPO complaint, he said: “I am passionate about the people of Donegal and as a democratically elected member of local Government I will continue to represent them to the best of my ability. I have broken no rules in local Government over my term since my election in 2009.”
