This article is from page 6 of the 2013-03-26 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
ALLEGATIONS of council corruption led to an hour-long debate, that went round in circles in the council chamber on Friday evening last, and eventually ended up back where it started, albeit with a happier council membership and executive.
Elaborating on his questions into council contractors, how the contracts are awarded and if the contractors are compliant with employment law, Cllr Gerry Flynn (Ind) quoted a paper “Political Corruption is not just about Brown Envelopes” and presented by Frank Flannery at the MacGill Summer School in Donegal last year.
“Among the public there is a belief that corrupt practices are endemic in political life,” said the councillor.
County Manager Tom Coughlan was quick to raise concerns about any accusations of corruption that may be contained in quoting an article that specifically referred to political corruption.
“Are you alleging corrupt practices yes or no please?” he asked the Shannon Councillor.
Cllr Flynn said he was merely quoting from Frank Flannery, adding he carefully worded his motion with council workers and union representatives.
The county manager said that none of the issues had been brought to his attention when he met with the union just “a couple of weeks ago”.
“The chamber is not the place for these issues to be raised,” he added.
In reference to a query as to whether council staff, elected members or members of their immediate family, provide goods or services either directly or indirectly to Clare County Council the manager replied;
“It is a small county. A lot of people are related to a lot of people.
“You cannot expect me to carry out a witch hunt,” adding there was a contingency in place that put the onus on the contractor, employee or council members to reveal any such information.
“If any councillor considers there are any corrupt practices in this council let me know,” he said.
“You may not be aware but your members are aware that not all contractors are compliant,” said Cllr Flynn.
“You say you are aware. Will you give me that information?
“I don’t see how I can do something if I am not given the facts,” replied the county manager.
Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) told the chamber the issue could not be disbanded with until Cllr Flynn made it clear who he was accusing of corruption, stating a grey cloud now hung over the council.
Different members of the council called on the controversial Shannon councillor to make clear his accusation.
In an attempt to bring an end to the debate, Mayor Cllr Pat Daly (FF) “I do not think anyone is corrupt”, to which Cllr Flynn said “I didn’t say the manager or the executive was corrupt.”
“We take it from that it was the councillors that are corrupt,” said Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind).
“She’ll know next year when the elections are on I’ll give her a chance to come back,” retorted Cllr Flynn.
“I am the only female member here to say her is to suggest he is referring to me,” she replied angered.
“Are you corrupt?” said Cllr Flynn.
“Take that back,” Cllr McCarthy replied.
“Not for one minute did I state Cllr McCarthy or the manager is corrupt,” he conceded.
The manager then noted there were now not allegations of corruption at executive level.
Councillors then called on Cllr Flynn to name who he considered corrupt.
“Don’t start the innuendo and walk away from it and leave the mud on the rest of us,” said Cllr Joe Arkins (FG).
Eventually Cllr Flynn conceded somewhat – “not once did I say the council elected members or executive are corrupt. I was speaking in terms of speech from MacGill Summer School.”
This was enough for the council and we all got to go on with our lives – one hour later.