by Alan Jacques
AFTER months of delays and deferrals, Sinn Fèin councillors pushed for a vote to nominate a representative to the RAPID action implementation team for Rathkeale this week.
The newly amalgamated Council only has one position on this team but since its inception in June, this nomination had been continually postponed.
Sinn Fèin councillor for City North, Maurice Quinlivain, described the situation at this month’s full Council meeting as “deeply offensive”.
Adare-Rathkeale councillor, Ciara McMahon, had stated that she was eager to be a part of the RAPID team and was nominated for this position during Monday’s marathon council meeting.
She said that it was insulting to the people of Rathkeale that it had been pushed back on the agenda so many times.
Cllr Stephen Keary (FG) and Cllr Kevin Sheahan (FF) were also proposed for this position. After a five minute adjournment, Cllr Sheahan declared that he would be opting out and Cllr Keary was elected to the position.
Cllr McMahon said that the appointment was used as a “political football” rather than genuine dedication to the position.
After the meeting, she told The Limerick Post: “I was disgusted at the actions of the parties over this nomination. Their political strategy wasn’t about working within this team but rather to block a councillor who was genuinely eager to be part of the RAPID team.”
Cllr McMahon went on to say she was disappointed to have lost the opportunity to make a difference within this team but is even more disappointed with the political game that was played.
“I am disgusted that the people of the area were not a priority instead of playing politics as some members did on the night,” she concluded.
