Fianna Fáil tantrum over power sharing on Donegal County Council

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

'For the first time in the history of Donegal, every grouping in the council will have a year as mayor' – Jack Murray, Sinn Féin

PEOPLE who voted for Fianna Fáil county councillors in Donegal might be wondering why they bothered after the party whip threatened they will make the council unworkable because they lost the vote at this week’s AGM to have a second FF mayor in this term of the council.

Fianna Fáil whip Ciarán Brogan said the Soldiers of Destiny won’t be turning up for key meetings.

“Fianna Fail will no longer be turning up for budget meetings or the development plan,” he said. “Fianna Fáil will no longer be here for making up numbers.”

Inishowen Sinn Féin Councillor Jack Murray (pictured) said he is deeply concerned and urged Fianna Fáil to reconsider. He hopes the outburst may have been in the heat of the moment.

“For the first time in the history of Donegal, every grouping in the council will have a year as mayor," the Sinn Féin councillor said.

“Fianna Fáil had it first, followed by Sinn Féin. Fine Gael have just completed their year. Labour have just been appointed for this year and the last year will go to an Independent councillor. That is power sharing at its best.

“This is a move away from the one-party rule that Fianna Fáil had implemented in Donegal County Council and our four town councils for decades. It is a welcome change.”