County Councillors of Donegal have once again rejected serious allegations of “corruption” made three years ago.
The allegations of “absolute corruption” involving council staff and councillors were made by independent Glenties councillor Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig at a budget meeting in 2021.
As councillors met in Lifford for the final time this term, Cathaoirleach Martin Harley sought to give Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig an opportunity to withdraw the claims and apologise.
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig did not attend the plenary meeting today or provide evidence of his claims.
Cllr Johnny McGuinness, son of the late Bernard McGuinness, commented that the allegations are particularly harmful to the councillors who passed away while holding office.
“It’s a disgrace that should hang over the memory of those who died,” Cllr McGuinness said.
Cllr Anthony Molloy said he was “disappointed” that Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig was not in attendance. Adding that all members are working hard, Cllr Molloy said: “when a person undermines that with his own innuendos and untruths it does cast a shadow on the council at district and plenary level.”
Cllr Gerry McMonagle said: “Everyone who comes in here works damn hard for their constituents.
“In all my dealings with staff and members in here I have seen no corruption.
“It says more about the elected member that is making the accusations that he can’t put the evidence out there and stand over his comments,” Cllr McMonagle said.
This term of Donegal County Council has worked together through major events including Covid-19, Brexit, the war in Ukraine, the Creeslough tragedy and the loss of three colleagues. A positive of this past year, as pointed out by Cllr Niamh Kennedy, was the good news of Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher’s baby.
Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher, Cllr Liam Doherty, Cllr Nicholas Crossan, Cllr Rena Donaghey and Cllr Tom Connaghan are the current local representatives not seeking re-election on 7th June.
Marking the end of the term, members held a minute’s silence in memory of Cllr Manus Kelly, Cllr Bernard McGuinness and Cllr Noreen McGarvey.
Deepest sympathies were shared by councillors and Cathaoirleach Harley in memory of their colleagues.
“They are still very much in our hearts and contributed immensely to their local communities,” commented Cllr Gerry McMonagle.
