War of words over vice mayor’s position

A war of words between Cllr Mae Sexton (Ind) and Cllr Denis Hughes (FG) nearly ended Cllr Brendan Gilmore’s hopes for deputy mayor, last week.

The incident occurred after Cllr Peggy Nolan (FG) and Cllr Gerry Warnock (Ind) proposed and seconded Cllr Gilmore for deputy mayor. Cllr Sexton sought to secure the position for colleagues whom she said, had “never served in office”.

“There are members sitting here who have never had the opportunity to serve as deputy mayor and my understanding is that no agreement was reached as to who would be vice chair,” she stated.

“I’m proposing that every member of this council who wishes to serve as vice mayor should be allowed to put their names forward and I am proposing, that person will do it free of charge and the money go to a project.”

Cllr Tony Flaherty (FF) who seconded the proposal added, “I think it is a nice gesture”.

“Well we actually 
had an agreement ourselves that it would be Cllr Gilmore and I think it is unfair to do this. Cllr Gilmore is a man of the highest integrity and it should be 
him,” Cllr Hughes added.

“I did not impugn his [Cllr Gilmore] integrity Denis,” roared Cllr Sexton across the room. “How dare you; I have the highest regard for Brendan Gilmore - my husband works for him. I am disappointed with you Denis - how dare you do this.”

Cllr Sexton then stated that she was “withdrawing” her proposal because she did not want “to drag Brendan Gilmore through
 this”.

“I don’t think it’s fair that she attacked me like that,” Cllr Hughes then said.

“Well this is a numbers game and Brendan was deemed to be the candidate for the position from this side of the house, and that should be the end of this,” added Cllr Peggy Nolan (FG).

Cllr Brendan Gilmore was then deemed to be Longford town deputy mayor and subsequently took his chain for the second year running.