Longford Fianna Fáil councillor says current nominee system does not best serve local democracy

As a political grouping of Fine Gael and two Independent councillors lead Longford County council for the next five years the system of local authority appointments has been criticised by one elected representative.

The division of nominees for local authority appointments to bodies and committees was raised by the opposition at the first meeting of the council.

A deal between the FG/Independent grouping sees the majority of posts on the committees, steering groups and task forces that oversee council policy being allocated to that group for the term of the council.

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Cllr Mick Cahill (FF) suggested the current method of appointment by the numerically dominant grouping does not best serve local democracy.

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Cllr Cahill said other local authorities employ a more even allocation of roles: “It would give a better spread across the county, ensuring councillors experience is used more effectively. It's the way the council should go,” Cllr Cahil suggested at the meeting.

Before the meeting took place the over seventy roles were divided up, with the official nominations made at the meeting: “We now have the division of SPC (Special Policy Committee) chairs, committee chairs. Some people never get the chance. You really have to be on a SPC to experience the inner workings of the council,” Cllr Cahill said.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said the roles are a central plank of local democracy: “I was 10 years with the council before I got the chance, I only then realised what I had missed in the previous 10 years. You can make a major contribution once you get a bit of experience.

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“I am disappointed that the council has moved in that direction. I would have expected a bit more consideration for this side of the house. We have the same number of members as the far side. I will put my shoulder to the wheel for Longford and I will support the chairman.”

Cllr Seamus Butler referenced the imbalance when he congratulated Cathaoirleach Mark Casey on his appointment: “It was ten years ago when I was instrumental in putting you in that position (Cathaoirleach) for the first time. I know you won't let the side down. We're on the back foot on this occasion and it's a situation that I didn't think I would see. Never in the history of the council have so few got so much from so many.”

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Cllr Butler said that the new council must work to a common goal: “We are all elected councillors. Apart from the Cathaoirleach we are all equal, it behoves us all to do the best we can for the county as a whole, and in my case the Longford Municipal District and the town.

“I think the county town has fallen behind and it must be focused on in the future.”