COUNCILLORS expressed frustration with Mayor John Moran for holding a press conference last week during their monthly meeting.
Council Príomh Chomhairleoir Dan McSweeney (FG) took issue with the Mayor planning to leave the statutory meeting to attend a press conference while business was still on their agenda.
He deemed it disappointing and felt council members were not being met with “the respect they deserve”.
“We came in here and spent hours preparing for this meeting, only to be told we’re expected to tend to the media when there’s really important matters on the agenda,” Cllr McSweeney told council management
Cllr Daniel Butler (FG) asked what was so pressing the Mayor had to leave the meeting three and a half hours in.
“Is there an urgent item that is pressing we are not aware of?” he inquired.
The press conference, Mayor Moran explained, was to talk to the public, before pointing out that he had already deferred it an hour.
“Maybe the media will prefer to stay in this room, but that’s their choice. We agreed that we’re going to report on our program every quarter and it was set up for today,” Mayor Moran informed councillors.
“So the answer is ‘there is nothing urgent’? It’s just a press release with a general chat. Not urgent, but you have to leave the meeting,” Cllr Butler responded.
Cllr Sarah Kiely (FG) questioned why the media had to choose between staying at a council meeting and attending the Mayor’s press conference.
