MAYOR John Moran has been criticised for singling out two local councillors who led the charge to save the Boro Park on his personal blog.
Speaking at a special meeting on the Janesboro amenity, Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan raised concerns around the directly-elected Mayor’s communication on the issue.
She was not impressed with Mayor Moran having named councillors Sarah Kiely (FG) and Catherine Slattery (FF) in a blog post ahead of a vote on his proposal for modular housing in the area.
“You circulated an email to the councillors where you referenced a blog post you wrote on this and I want to acknowledge a section on that blog post that you titled ‘A Note on Public Debate’. I really agree with the principles you expressed in relation to public debate,” Cllr O’Donovan told the Mayor.
“Now our public discourse should be constructive, factual, and respectful. But when I read your blog post, I noted that you mentioned two councillors – Cllr Kiely and Cllr Slattery. I’m not besties with either, however, I think it is unfair to have named them specifically.”
The City West representative told Mayor that we are living in a time of “incredible toxic social media” which is constantly getting worse.
“These two girls are very passionate about their area and that is their right to do that. So I would suggest moving forward, out of respect to everyone, that we don’t pinpoint certain councillors. That just means pile-ons of people online,” she added.
Fianna Fáil councillor Kieran O’Hanlon commended councillors Kiely and Slattery, particularly in light of Mayor Moran naming them online. He also thanked Cllr O’Donovan for highlighting this issue.
“I think ye were basically being put up as target practice. That’s what’s happening here because ye don’t agree with the Mayor. That is unacceptable,” Cllr O’Hanlon hit out.
– Local Democracy Reporting Scheme