8 July 1999 Edition

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Exclusion in Youghal

People in Youghal, County Cork, are still scratching their heads over the discriminatory treatment meted to poll-topping Sinn Féin Councillor Martin Hallinan, who failed to even secure a place on any of the UDC committees at the first postelection meeting of the council.

Hallinan polled a massive 715 votes in the recent elections in Youghal, retaining his seat with over twice the quota of 327 votes and 435 votes clear of his nearest challenger. On the previous council, the independent candidate who topped the poll was elected chairperson due to his high vote. This time around, however, Fianna Féail, with the support of the same independent candidate, managed to take control of the council and took all plum posts and council positions for themselves.

``People in the town are shocked at the way the council has been turned into a closed shop, Says Hallinan. ``I say to them it is reminiscent more of a unionist-dominated council in the Six Counties.''

To add insult to injury, Hallinan was offered, as the meeting drew to a close, a position on the burial board, which he politely declined.


An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland