Independent Councillor Frank McBrearty Jnr has been hit with a three-month suspension from Donegal County Council meetings.
The Raphoe representative was asked to leave the Plenary meeting of the council several times today due to disruptive behaviour and disregarding the rule of the chair, Cathaoirleach Liam Blaney.
Cllr McBrearty attended the meeting via the online facility this morning. During this time, he made a number of allegations which were described as ‘scurrilous’ by Cathaoirleach Liam Blaney.
Cllr Blaney held a vote among members to have Cllr McBrearty withdrawn from the day’s proceedings. The vote was passed 30 for, with Cllr McBrearty voting against. Cllr Michael Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig abstained from the vote.
However, Cllr McBrearty refused to leave.
This resulted in elected members invoking a Standing Order to vote to suspend him for a period of three months.
Councillors voted to suspend Cllr McBrearty from all meetings of the local authority, all committee meetings and meetings of the municipal district.
Cllr McBrearty made repeated attempts to speak during the votes.
“That this is the only option available to me at this time should be clear of the seriousness of this decision,” Cllr Blaney said.
The council meeting will continue in Lifford this afternoon.
