THERE was evidence of a major rift between the six councillors of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, who have always prided themselves on working together.
Changing the venue for their monthly meeting from their base in Rathkeale to County Hall in Dooradoyle, appears to have been a bridge too far for some with serious cracks in the fellowship between council members being clearly visible.
Before this Tuesday’s meeting commenced, Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary wanted to know why the meeting had been moved out of the Rathkeale office and if office staff had been consulted about the change of venue.
He asked the council executive what they believed the risk was and who posed the risk if the meeting had been held in West Limerick.
Cathaoirleach Adam Teskey (FG) refused to discuss the matter with his party colleague.
“I’m not going there”, he said, and refused to engage any further on the matter before the meeting started.
Cllr Keary then left the council chamber.
Cllr Teskey told council members that an email was sent to all councillors ten days earlier about the change of venue and nobody took issue with the change.
”Over the last number of years we’ve had meetings all over the district in places such as Ballyhahill, Ballysteen and Pallaskenry. What’s the issue with having our meeting in the council chamber in Dooradoyle?” he asked.
He explained that it was decided to hold the meeting in County Hall as it was a bigger venue, and made it easier for social distancing.
Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin Sheahan said he felt the issue was being used for political advantage that the six members were “not on the same page”.
He went onto claim that he had been told by two “honourable” Fine Gael members that one of the six area representatives had alleged the other five members were working in opposition to him.
Independent councillor Emmett O’Brien raised concerns over whispers in the municipal district of an “anti-Rathkeale” sentiment from some area representatives. He described it as the spread of “political misinformation” by one member.
”I’d dance a jig down the middle of Rathkeale. I’ll go out there anytime,” Cllr O’Brien declared.
Fianna Fáil councillor Bridie Collins felt it was an insult to council members to suggest the meeting was moved to a bigger venue for any other reason than health and safety grounds.
Before the meeting concluded, councillors called for a solution to be found to the issue.
“The six councillors need to put their heads together for the good of the community,” Cllr Sheahan said to Cathaoirleach Adam Teskey.
”I can’t get a whip and make anyone carry out their mandate,” Cllr Teskey replied.
”I am nominating you to get this sorted,” said Cllr O’Brien interjected.
In a statement issued after leaving the meeting, Cllr Keary referred to the council chamber as being a democratic forum that is now “being run like a dictatorship”.
“I worked long and hard with the community to have the Rathkeale area office retained and for the name of the town to be retained in the name of the municipal district. Now the elected representatives and the executive won’t even meet there for their monthly meetings. This is an insult to both the office staff and the people of Rathkeale,” he added.